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CMH destination photo
IAD destination photo

CMHIAD

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side provides a superior perspective of the Columbus skyline shortly after takeoff and offers the best chance to spot the distant Washington D.C. monuments and the iconic Udvar-Hazy Center during the approach into Dulles.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Downtown Columbus

Capture the Scioto Mile and the city's skyscraper cluster shortly after departing CMH.

🚣

The Ohio River

A clear view of the historic waterway marking the transition from Ohio into the West Virginia panhandle.

⛰️

Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians

Spectacular views of the long, even, parallel ridges that define the geography of central Pennsylvania and Maryland.

🏛️

D.C. Skyline Glimpse

On clear days during the descent, look east to spot the Washington Monument and Capitol Building on the horizon.

🚀

Udvar-Hazy Center

As the plane lands at IAD, you can often see the massive silver hangars housing the Space Shuttle Discovery.

The right side is best for photography, especially during late afternoon flights when the sun is behind the aircraft, illuminating the ground features perfectly. Be alert during the final three minutes of flight; depending on the runway configuration, you may get a direct view of the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum complex.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌲

Monongahela National Forest

Expansive views of the dense, rugged wilderness and high-altitude plateaus of the West Virginia highlands.

🏔️

Spruce Knob

Spot the highest point in West Virginia, often recognizable by its distinct ridge profile.

🏞️

Shenandoah Valley

A sweeping view of the fertile agricultural valley tucked between the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains.

🌊

Shenandoah River

The river's unique North and South forks are clearly visible as the flight begins its final descent into Northern Virginia.

Choose a seat ahead of the wing to capture the best photos of the mountain ridges. Morning flights are ideal as the sun highlights the eastern slopes, creating dramatic shadows in the valleys. In winter, the snow-dusted peaks of the Alleghenies are especially striking from this side.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 481 km (299 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 48 min

Departure: CMH (39.998001, -82.891899)

Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Route Type: Domestic

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