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PHL → SYR
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Syracuse Hancock International Airport (Syracuse)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for this short hop, offering the best views of the Philadelphia city center during climb-out and the picturesque Finger Lakes during the arrival into Syracuse.
Philadelphia Skyline
Excellent view of Center City skyscrapers and the Philadelphia Museum of Art shortly after departure.
The Poconos
Aerial perspective of the forested plateaus and winding valleys of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Skaneateles Lake
The clearest of the Finger Lakes, visible as a long sapphire ribbon during the southern approach to SYR.
Lehigh Valley
A patchwork of industrial heritage and rolling farmland centered around Allentown and Bethlehem.
Choose a seat in front of the wing for an unobstructed view of the Philly skyline. For autumn flights, the Poconos section offers incredible fall foliage. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting for the Finger Lakes.
Trenton and Suburbs
Views of the New Jersey state capital and the suburban expansion of the Northeast Corridor.
Catskill Mountains
On clear days, the distant peaks of the Catskills are visible to the far northeast of the flight path.
Oneida Lake
New York's largest lake entirely within the state, often visible during the final descent pattern into Syracuse.
Syracuse Suburbs
Aerial view of the northern Syracuse metropolitan area and the airport complex.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. Oneida Lake is the primary landmark to watch for; it will appear quite large and distinct just east of the airport during landing.
Distance: 367 km (228 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 37 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: SYR (43.11119842529297, -76.1063003540039)
Route Type: Domestic
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