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COS → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (Colorado Springs) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an immediate and dramatic view of Pikes Peak and the southern Rocky Mountains upon departure from Colorado Springs, followed by superior views of the St. Louis skyline and the rolling terrain of the Appalachian Mountains during the descent into the DC area.
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Pikes Peak
Breathtaking views of the 14,115-foot summit immediately after takeoff from Colorado Springs.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
Look closely for the iconic silver arch on the west bank of the Mississippi River if the path tracks south.
Monongahela Forest
Dense, lush green canopy and rugged mountain terrain over the heart of West Virginia.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The final major mountain range before descending into the Virginia Piedmont region.
Dulles Architecture
Views of the iconic Eero Saarinen-designed terminal as the plane banks for its final approach.
The right side is the clear winner for the departure phase; ensure your window is clear for the climb out of COS. For afternoon flights, the sun will be behind the plane or to the south, providing vibrant colors over the West Virginia hills. If the flight approaches IAD from the south, you may see the sprawl of the Virginia suburbs.
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The Great Plains
Vast, intricate geometric patterns of Kansas and Missouri farmland visible for the first half of the journey.
Mississippi River
The massive North American waterway crossing, often featuring heavy barge traffic and floodplains.
Midwestern Hubs
Distant views of major cities like Indianapolis or Columbus depending on the specific flight corridor.
Appalachian Ridges
Distinctive parallel ridges and valleys of western Maryland and northern West Virginia.
Potomac River
The winding river marking the border between Maryland and Virginia as you approach Dulles.
Sit on the left if you are flying during the morning to avoid direct glare from the sun, which will be to the south. This side provides excellent views of the 'fold-and-thrust' belt of the Appalachians as you enter the Eastern Time Zone.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,350 km (1,460 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 8 min
Departure: COS (38.805801, -104.700996)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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