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PHL → SAT
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to San Antonio International Airport (San Antonio)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Chesapeake Bay shortly after departure, followed by sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the lush Mississippi Delta region.
Philly Skyline & Delaware River
Immediate views of the Philadelphia skyline and the industrial architecture along the Delaware River during the climb out.
Chesapeake Bay
Aerial perspective of the upper Chesapeake Bay and the intricate network of inlets near the Maryland and Delaware border.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley and the rolling ridges of the Appalachian chain as you fly southwest.
Mississippi River
A massive crossing of the continent's largest river, typically near the Memphis or Vicksburg area depending on the flight path.
East Texas Piney Woods
The dense green canopy of the Sam Houston National Forest region as you transition into the Texas landscape.
Sit on the left for softer lighting during late morning flights to avoid direct glare. During the descent into San Antonio, this side often provides a clearer view of the downtown skyline and the Tower of the Americas if the plane approaches from the north.
Susquehanna River
View of the wide, winding Susquehanna River cutting through the Pennsylvania countryside shortly after takeoff.
Allegheny Plateau
The rugged, dissected plateau of the western Appalachians, featuring deep valleys and heavy forestation.
The Ozarks
The northern edge of the Ozark Mountains provides interesting terrain relief and plateau formations across Arkansas.
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
On many flight paths, the sprawling urban layout of North Texas and its many suburban lakes are visible to the northwest.
Texas Hill Country
As the flight nears San Antonio, the landscape shifts to the characteristic scrub and rolling limestone hills of Central Texas.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. Watch for the dramatic change from the green humid east to the drier, golden-hued landscapes of Central Texas in the final 30 minutes of the flight.
Distance: 2,404 km (1,494 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 12 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: SAT (29.533700942993164, -98.46980285644533)
Route Type: Domestic
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