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PHL → STL
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the Appalachian Mountain ridges in Pennsylvania and offers the most consistent views of the St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch during the standard approach into STL.
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Philadelphia Center City
Stunning views of the skyscrapers and the urban grid of Philly immediately after takeoff from PHL.
Appalachian Ridges
The dramatic folded mountain ridges of central Pennsylvania, showing distinct geological waves.
Susquehanna River
A wide, shallow river that snakes through the mountains of Pennsylvania.
Columbus, Ohio
Aerial view of the Ohio state capital as the flight path crosses the heart of the Midwest.
The Gateway Arch
The iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument is often visible to the south during the descent into St. Louis.
Sit forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the St. Louis skyline during landing. For morning flights, the sun will be on this side of the aircraft, so keep your window shade adjusted to avoid glare while looking for the Appalachian ridges. If the flight lands to the west (typical), this side is best for the Arch.
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Delaware River
Vivid views of the river separating Pennsylvania and New Jersey during the initial climb.
Allegheny National Forest
Dense forest canopies and rolling green terrain across northern Pennsylvania.
Indianapolis
The urban sprawl of Indy and potentially the Motor Speedway can be seen if the route tracks slightly north.
Mississippi River
The massive waterway marking the border between Illinois and Missouri just before arrival.
Missouri-Mississippi Confluence
The spectacular point where the two longest rivers in North America meet north of the airport.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, providing perfect lighting for photos of the Midwest patchwork fields. Keep an eye out for the river confluence just before landing, which is one of the most significant geographic features in the central US.
Book Hotels in St. LouisDistance: 1,306 km (812 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 44 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Route Type: Domestic
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