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SEA → PHL
Which side of the plane to sit from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle) to Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is slightly superior due to the spectacular close-up views of Mount Rainier immediately after takeoff and the potential for a stunning Philadelphia skyline view during the final approach.
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Mount Rainier
The most iconic view of the trip; the massive volcano looms incredibly close as the plane climbs and turns East.
Bighorn Mountains
The dramatic transition from the high plains to the rocky elevations of Wyoming and the Black Hills.
Mississippi River
Watch for the massive, meandering waterway dividing the Midwest near the midpoint of your journey.
Philadelphia Skyline
On many approaches to PHL, the right side offers a direct view of the Center City skyscrapers and the sports complex.
Delaware River
Visible just before touchdown, featuring industrial ports and the bridges connecting PA and NJ.
Sit on the right for the 'Rainier turn' shortly after takeoff from SEA. On the descent into PHL, if the wind is from the West, aircraft often fly past the city and turn back, giving the right side a panoramic view of the skyline. Afternoon flights on this side will be very sunny, so bring sunglasses.
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North Cascades
Stunning views of the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Cascades and Glacier Peak shortly after departing Seattle.
Lake Washington
A clear view of the sprawling suburbs of Bellevue and the floating bridges connecting to Seattle.
Lake Michigan
Look for the vast blue expanse of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on the horizon if the flight path tracks centrally.
Susquehanna River
The winding river through the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania signals you are nearing the destination.
The left side (facing North) is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. If the flight path is northerly, you may catch the edge of Glacier National Park in Montana. Choose a seat ahead of the wing to maximize ground visibility during the mountainous first hour.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,818 km (2,372 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 30 min
Departure: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Route Type: Domestic
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