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SFO destination photo
PHL destination photo

SFOPHL

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a more iconic sequence of landmarks, including potential views of the Golden Gate Bridge upon departure, the deep blue of Lake Tahoe, the vast Great Salt Lake, and a spectacular approach into Philadelphia featuring the city skyline.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌉

Golden Gate & Marin

After departing SFO and banking east, the left side often captures the Golden Gate Bridge and the rugged coastline of the Marin Headlands.

🏔️

Lake Tahoe & Sierras

Clear views of the alpine blue water of Lake Tahoe and the granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains shortly after takeoff.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

A stunning look at the salt flats and the distinct turquoise and pink hues of Utah's Great Salt Lake.

🏙️

Chicago & Lake Michigan

On more northerly flight paths, the Chicago skyline and the vast blue expanse of Lake Michigan are visible mid-flight.

🏛️

Philadelphia Center City

During the final approach into PHL, passengers on the left side are often treated to a direct view of the Center City skyscrapers.

Sit on the left to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun on this eastbound transcontinental route. This side is superior for photography of the Great Salt Lake and the PHL skyline approach. For the best views of Lake Tahoe, ensure you are in a window seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion.

Right Side Highlights
8.3
🏙️

San Francisco Peninsula

Excellent views of the SFO airport, the Silicon Valley corridor, and the San Francisco city grid during the initial climb.

🌲

Yosemite National Park

On more southerly routings, look for the iconic granite domes and valleys of the High Sierra and Yosemite.

🏔️

Colorado Rockies

Breathtaking views of the snow-capped Front Range and the high-altitude peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

🌽

The Heartland

The intricate geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles across the Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska.

🚢

Delaware River

A low-altitude view of the industrial ports and cargo ships along the Delaware River just before touchdown at PHL.

The right side is ideal for capturing the San Francisco city skyline immediately after takeoff if the plane departs towards the north. However, be prepared for direct sunlight for most of the flight, which can make the cabin warmer. Use a polarizing filter on your camera to cut through the haze over the Midwest plains.

Top Activities in Philadelphia
Route Information

Distance: 4,048 km (2,515 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 46 min

Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)

Route Type: Domestic

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