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DFW → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas-Fort Worth) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the rugged Great Smoky Mountains and the winding Mississippi River, along with better views of the Dallas skyline during takeoff.
Downtown Dallas Skyline
A direct view of the Reunion Tower and the iconic Dallas skyscraper cluster on a southbound departure.
Memphis Riverfront
The bridge and downtown area of Memphis are often visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Great Smoky Mountains
Spectacular views of the highest peaks in the Appalachian range, including Clingmans Dome.
Pisgah National Forest
Deep green forest canopies and rugged terrain as the flight transitions over Western North Carolina.
Jordan Lake
The sprawling reservoir south of Durham marks the final descent phase into the airport.
The right side is ideal for mountain lovers. Try to fly during the autumn months to see the vibrant fall foliage of the Smokies from above. During descent, look for Jordan Lake as a primary landmark indicating you are minutes away from landing.
North Dallas Sprawl
Expansive views of the Plano and Frisco suburban landscapes shortly after departure.
Mississippi River Crossing
A clear view of the massive river as it snakes through the border of Arkansas and Tennessee.
Nashville Metro
Potential distant views of the Music City skyline depending on the specific flight corridor.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The northern ridges of the Appalachian chain visible as you enter North Carolina.
Research Triangle Park
Aerial views of the dense forest and low-slung tech campuses of RTP during the final approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. It is also excellent for spotting the specific layout of Durham and the northern Research Triangle as the plane aligns with the runway.
Distance: 1,705 km (1,059 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 16 min
Departure: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
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