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AUS → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (Austin) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for this route as it offers the best chance to see the Austin skyline during departure and provides a better angle for the dramatic ridge-and-valley formations of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia.
Search flights from AUS to IAD
Austin Skyline
Aerial views of downtown Austin and the Texas State Capitol shortly after takeoff.
The Ozarks
Rolling hills and dense forest canopies of the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas.
Mississippi River
A grand view of the massive river system and its winding oxbow lakes near the Tennessee border.
Appalachian Ridges
Stunning linear mountain folds of the Ridge-and-Valley province over West Virginia.
Shenandoah Valley
The lush agricultural basin tucked between the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. This side is ideal for spotting the Austin skyline on departure from Runway 18L/R. During the descent into IAD, watch for the distinctive parallel mountain ridges that define the Eastern United States landscape.
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East Texas Piney Woods
Expansive stretches of pine and hardwood forests during the first hour of flight.
Memphis Metro
Distant views of the Mississippi River and the outskirts of the Memphis metropolitan area.
Smoky Mountains
Distant, hazy silhouettes of the Great Smoky Mountains to the southeast.
Virginia Wine Country
The rolling hills and patchwork of vineyards in Loudoun County during the final approach.
Dulles Terminal
A close-up view of the historic Eero Saarinen-designed main terminal upon landing.
Choose the right side for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you. Look for the wide bends of the Mississippi River south of Memphis. On clear days, you may catch the distant peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the plane begins its final descent into Northern Virginia.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 2,084 km (1,295 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 47 min
Departure: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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