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BRU â IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Brussels Airport (Brussels) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, including the best views of the Belgian capital on departure, the southern coast of the UK, and iconic views of the U.S. East Coast megalopolis, including potential glimpses of New York and Philadelphia during the descent.
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Brussels & Atomium
Aerial view of the historic center and the iconic Atomium structure shortly after departure.
English South Coast
Dramatic views of the White Cliffs of Dover and the English Channel shipping lanes.
Cape Farewell Fjords
The southern tip of Greenland featuring sharp mountain peaks and deep glacial fjords.
East Coast Megalopolis
Distant views of Boston, Manhattan's skyline, and the Jersey Shore during the final hours.
Chesapeake Bay
The massive estuary system and its intricate tributaries as you cross into Maryland.
Potomac River
Scenic views of the river winding through the D.C. and Virginia landscape on final approach.
Since this is a westbound daytime flight, the sun will be on the left (south) side for the duration. While this provides excellent lighting for photos of Greenland, be prepared for intense glare; keep your window shade partially closed when not viewing. Sit behind the wing for unobstructed views of the US coastline during the descent into IAD.
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Scottish Highlands
On more northerly routes, see the rugged lochs and peaks of the Grampian Mountains.
Greenland Ice Sheet
A vast, mesmerizing expanse of the inland ice cap and massive outlet glaciers.
Labrador Wilderness
The desolate, lake-strewn tundra of Northeastern Canada and the Torngat Mountains.
St. Lawrence Seaway
The mouth of the great river connecting the Atlantic to the Great Lakes.
Appalachian Ridges
The characteristic long, parallel forested ridges of Central Pennsylvania.
The right side is ideal for travelers who want to avoid direct sunlight and heat, as it faces north. It offers the most dramatic views of the Greenland ice sheet and the Canadian wilderness without the sun's glare. If the flight path is northerly, you will have the best chance of seeing iceberg-filled bays off the coast of Newfoundland.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 6,247 km (3,882 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 21 min
Departure: BRU (50.9014015198, 4.48443984985)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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