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DTW → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most dramatic views of the Appalachian mountain ridges and the Potomac River basin during the descent into Northern Virginia.
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Lake Erie Coastline
Striking views of the southern shoreline and the transition from Michigan to Ohio.
Cleveland Skyline
A distant view of the Terminal Tower and Cleveland's downtown area along the lake.
Appalachian Ridges
Excellent views of the unique, linear fold-and-thrust belt of the central Pennsylvania mountains.
Susquehanna River
Cross the wide, winding river as the flight begins its initial descent.
Potomac River Basin
Scenic views of the river and the Maryland/Virginia border areas on final approach.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid harsh southern sunlight. This side offers the best vantage point for the iconic 'washboard' look of the Appalachian Mountains. On a clear day, you may catch a glimpse of the Washington Monument in the distance during the landing sequence if the plane approaches from the north.
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Lake Erie Islands
Aerial views of Put-in-Bay and Kelley's Island shortly after departure.
Cuyahoga Valley
The lush greenery of Ohio's only national park visible south of Cleveland.
Pittsburgh Suburbs
Industrial landscapes and the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania.
Shenandoah Valley
The broad, fertile valley nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies.
Dulles Corridor
The rapidly developing technological hub of Northern Virginia near the airport.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the east. It provides a great perspective of the rural-to-suburban transition of the Mid-Atlantic. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Dulles Air and Space Museum (Udvar-Hazy Center) just before touchdown.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 616 km (383 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 2 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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