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SAN → PHL
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a more consistent view of major geological landmarks and a glare-free perspective of the landscape as you travel eastbound. It typically provides superior views of the Grand Canyon and the high peaks of the Rockies, followed by a potential view of the Philadelphia skyline during the approach.
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Mojave Desert
Striking views of the arid California interior and Joshua Tree National Park shortly after climbing to altitude.
The Grand Canyon
Depending on the specific flight corridor, the north side often yields glimpses of the canyon's colorful rim and the Colorado River.
Southern Rocky Mountains
Cross over the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Rockies near the Colorado-New Mexico border.
Mississippi River
A massive geographic milestone where the landscape transitions from the arid West to the lush Midwest.
Appalachian Ridges
The unique 'ridge and valley' formation of the Pennsylvania mountains becomes visible in the final hour.
Philadelphia Skyline
On a standard approach into PHL from the west, the left side often captures the Center City skyscrapers.
Since this is an eastbound transcontinental flight, the left side faces north, which means you avoid the direct glare of the sun for the entire journey. This is ideal for photography. For the best views of the Grand Canyon, keep your eyes peeled about 50 to 70 minutes after takeoff. Try to sit ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the varied terrain below.
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Sonoran Desert
Views of the rugged Arizona landscape and the outskirts of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Great Plains
The iconic 'patchwork quilt' of circular irrigation fields across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
St. Louis Arch
If the route passes slightly south, the Gateway Arch can often be spotted near the Mississippi crossing.
Ozark National Forest
Rolling green hills and dense forest cover stretching across the Missouri and Arkansas border region.
Delaware River
The winding water border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey during the final descent into Philadelphia.
The right side (facing south) will be quite sunny throughout the flight, so keep your window shade partially closed to manage cabin heat. However, the right side is excellent for seeing the 'center-pivot' irrigation circles that define the American heartland. During a sunset arrival, the right side offers a spectacular view of the changing colors over the Atlantic coastal plain.
Book Hotels in PhiladelphiaDistance: 3,806 km (2,365 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 29 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Route Type: Domestic
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