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DEN → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Denver International Airport (Denver) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the major river systems and the most dramatic sections of the Appalachian ridge-and-valley province without direct sun glare during most flight times.
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Denver Skyline
Excellent views of downtown Denver and the sprawl of the Front Range immediately after takeoff.
Great Plains Patterns
The intricate circular patterns of center-pivot irrigation systems across the Eastern Colorado and Kansas landscape.
Mississippi River
A clear view of the 'Mighty Mississippi' and often the city of St. Louis with its iconic Gateway Arch.
Ohio River Valley
The winding path of the Ohio River as the flight traverses the border of Indiana and Kentucky.
Appalachian Ridges
Spectacular views of the folded mountain ridges in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
Piedmont Plateau
The transition into the dense green forests of the North Carolina Piedmont during the final descent.
Choose this side for morning flights to avoid the sun's glare, which will be on the south (right) side. This side provides the best chance to spot the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the northern Blue Ridge Mountains. Seats forward of the wing are ideal to keep the engine from obstructing the landscape photography.
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Rocky Mountain Backdrop
A stunning receding view of the snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks to the west as you climb out of Denver.
Kansas Heartland
Expansive views of the American agricultural heartland and small rural communities.
Ozark Plateau
The rugged, forested terrain of the Ozarks visible to the south as you pass Missouri.
Great Smoky Mountains
Distant views of the hazy blue peaks of the Smokies along the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
Winston-Salem
The urban landscape of the North Carolina Triad area shortly before the final approach into RDU.
The right side is perfect for late afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the wings. Look for the distant silhouette of the Great Smoky Mountains to the south. Keep your window shade down during midday flights, as the southern sun can be very intense and heat up the cabin seat.
Book Hotels in Raleigh-durhamDistance: 2,306 km (1,433 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 4 min
Departure: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
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