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BOS destination photo
IAD destination photo

BOSIAD

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most iconic views of the U.S. East Coast, including a spectacular perspective of the Long Island Sound and a distant but clear view of the Manhattan skyline.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🚢

Boston Harbor Islands

Immediate views of the various islands and historic lighthouses dotting the harbor right after departure.

🏖️

Long Island Sound

A lengthy view of the coastline where the Connecticut shore meets the Atlantic waters.

🗽

New York City Skyline

If the flight path is coastal, you can see the dense clusters of skyscrapers in Midtown and Lower Manhattan to the west.

🌊

Jersey Shore

Aerial views of the barrier islands and famous boardwalks stretching along the New Jersey coast.

🦀

Chesapeake Bay

A massive view of the nation's largest estuary and the intricate waterways of Maryland's eastern shore.

For the best experience, book a morning flight to see the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean, which illuminates the coastline. Keep your camera ready about 20-30 minutes into the flight for the New York City fly-by. In autumn, the transition from coastal blues to the changing colors of the Maryland forests is stunning.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Downtown Boston

A great look at the Back Bay, Charles River, and the iconic Citgo sign depending on the departure runway.

🏞️

Hudson River Valley

Views of the winding Hudson River and the lush greenery of upstate New York and northern New Jersey.

🔔

Philadelphia

Spot the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River as you pass by the city of Philadelphia.

🚤

Baltimore Inner Harbor

As the plane begins its descent, you can often see the Baltimore skyline and the historic harbor area.

🏛️

Potomac River

Views of the river that marks the border between Maryland and Virginia during the final approach into Dulles.

The right side is perfect for evening flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun while still getting a warm glow over the Appalachian foothills in the distance. This side often provides a more detailed look at the urban density of the Northeast Corridor's inland cities like Philly and Baltimore.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 664 km (413 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 6 min

Departure: BOS (42.36429977, -71.00520325)

Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Route Type: Domestic

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