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DFW → CAE
Which side of the plane to sit from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas-Fort Worth) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (Columbia)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the approaching Appalachian foothills and the best angle for Lake Murray when descending into Columbia.
Mississippi River
A grand aerial view of the meandering river as you cross the border from Arkansas into Mississippi.
Birmingham Skyline
View the largest city in Alabama and its surrounding industrial landscapes from a northern perspective.
Appalachian Piedmont
As you move through Georgia and into South Carolina, the rolling hills and southern tip of the mountains become visible.
Lake Murray
The massive reservoir northwest of Columbia is a highlight of the final descent, especially its long dam and numerous islands.
Downtown Columbia
A clear view of the South Carolina State House and the urban core of the capital city upon landing.
Sit on the left (port) side for the best chance to see Lake Murray, which is the primary landmark for the CAE approach. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting on the left side, as the sun is positioned to the south, illuminating the ground features without causing direct glare into your window.
East Texas Piney Woods
The transition from the Dallas prairie into the dense, lush evergreen forests of East Texas and Louisiana.
Atlanta Hub
On clear days, you can often spot the massive sprawl of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the south.
Augusta Area
The flight path typically passes near Augusta, Georgia, home to some of the world's most famous golf courses.
Savannah River
A beautiful view of the river that forms the natural border between Georgia and South Carolina.
Fort Jackson
The expansive training grounds and facility of the U.S. Army's largest Basic Combat Training center.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. Look for the Savannah River crossing as your cue that you are entering South Carolina. Keep an eye out for military aircraft near Fort Jackson as you approach the destination.
Distance: 1,480 km (920 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 58 min
Departure: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)
Arrival: CAE (33.93880081176758, -81.11949920654297)
Route Type: Domestic
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