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PHL → SXM
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the transition from the US coastline to the vibrant, multi-toned turquoise waters of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos before the world-famous arrival at Maho Beach.
Outer Banks
Fly over the thin, sandy strips of the North Carolina barrier islands, including Cape Hatteras, early in the flight path.
Bahamian Cays
Experience the stunning contrast between the deep blue 'Tongue of the Ocean' and the shallow, neon-turquoise reefs of the Abaco Islands.
Turks and Caicos
A spectacular overhead view of the Caicos Bank, showing intricate white sand patterns beneath crystal-clear water.
Maho Beach Approach
The iconic low-altitude glide over the crowds at Maho Beach and the turquoise waters of Simpson Bay just before touchdown.
This side is the 'scenic route' for this flight. Ensure your window is clear about 45-60 minutes before landing, as the flight path typically crosses the most beautiful sections of the Bahamas and TCI. If the flight arrives in the afternoon, the sun will be behind you, providing the perfect lighting for high-saturation photos of the tropical reefs and the famous SXM landing.
Jersey Shoreline
Catch a glimpse of the Atlantic City skyline and the expansive New Jersey beaches shortly after departure from PHL.
Atlantic Sunrise
On morning departures, this side receives the first light of day reflecting off the vast Atlantic Ocean surface.
Leeward Islands
During the descent, look out for the distant silhouettes of the British Virgin Islands and the northern tip of Anguilla.
Saint Martin Interior
View the lush, hilly terrain of the island's interior and the French side (Saint-Martin) during the final approach bank.
Sit forward of the wing to maximize your view of the horizon. This side is ideal for passengers who prefer the serenity of the open ocean and want to avoid the direct afternoon sun during the southbound journey. For the best photography, wait for the final five minutes of the flight when the plane maneuvers closer to the island's coastline.
Distance: 2,693 km (1,673 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 35 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Route Type: International
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