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RDU → PHL
Which side of the plane to sit from Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham) to Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Chesapeake Bay's vast waters and the iconic Philadelphia skyline during the final approach into PHL.
Search flights from RDU to PHL
Chesapeake Bay
Expansive views of the bay's islands, bridge-tunnels, and the busy shipping lanes of the Atlantic coast.
Annapolis & Eastern Shore
Visuals of the Maryland coastline and the historic sailing hub of Annapolis.
Delaware Bay
The wide opening of the Delaware Bay separating the coastlines of Delaware and New Jersey.
Delaware River Path
The aircraft typically parallels the river, providing views of cargo ships and tankers.
Center City Philadelphia
Stunning panoramic views of the Comcast Center, Liberty Place, and the historic downtown core.
The right side is highly recommended for morning flights to see the sun reflecting off the Chesapeake. During the standard approach to PHL, planes often fly north past the city before looping back; sit on the right for the most direct and unobstructed view of the skyscrapers and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Book Hotels in Philadelphia
Piedmont Forest
Dense green canopy of the North Carolina and Virginia Piedmont region shortly after departure.
Richmond Skyline
A glimpse of the Virginia state capital and the winding James River to the west.
Susquehanna River
Aerial view of the massive river emptying into the northern reaches of the Chesapeake.
University City
Detailed views of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel campuses during the final descent.
South Philly Sports Complex
Bird's eye view of the Wells Fargo Center, Citizens Bank Park, and Lincoln Financial Field.
The left side is best for seeing the suburban landscapes of Maryland and Delaware. If arriving in the evening, you will see the sunset over the Appalachian foothills to the far west. Watch for the heavy industry and shipping hubs around the Port of Philadelphia just before landing.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 542 km (337 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 54 min
Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Route Type: Domestic
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