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PHL → RSW
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Atlantic coastline, the dramatic barrier islands of the Outer Banks, and the vast Florida Everglades during the final descent.
Delmarva Peninsula
View the intricate network of bays and the Atlantic coastline of Delaware and Maryland shortly after departure.
Outer Banks (OBX)
See the iconic thin strip of barrier islands and Cape Hatteras along the North Carolina coast.
Lowcountry Coast
Catch glimpses of the salt marshes and historic harbor layouts of Charleston and Savannah.
Florida Coastline
Visuals of Jacksonville's beaches and the St. Johns River winding through Northeast Florida.
The Everglades
As you descend into RSW, see the vast, shimmering wetlands of the Florida Everglades stretching to the horizon.
Choose the left side for morning flights to witness the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. This side provides the most consistent scenic landmarks, especially the unique geography of the North Carolina barrier islands. Ensure you are seated forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze distorting the coastal views.
Philadelphia Skyline
Excellent views of Center City and the Delaware River immediately following takeoff from PHL.
Chesapeake Bay
Look for the massive spans of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the upper reaches of the bay's western shore.
Southern Piedmont
Overfly the dense pine forests and rolling agricultural landscapes of the Carolinas and Georgia.
Lake Okeechobee
On the final approach, Florida's largest freshwater lake is often visible to the south and west.
Gulf Coast Horizon
Catch the reflection of the sun off the Gulf of Mexico and views of the Caloosahatchee River before landing.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to enjoy the sunset without direct glare. If the flight approaches RSW from the south, this side may offer brief views of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Keep an eye out for Richmond and Raleigh as you pass over the mid-Atlantic region.
Distance: 1,601 km (995 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 8 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: RSW (26.53619956970215, -81.75520324707031)
Route Type: Domestic
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