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DUB → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Dublin Airport (Dublin) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side (starboard) is superior for this transatlantic crossing, offering consistent indirect lighting ideal for photography and the high probability of viewing the jagged glaciers of Southern Greenland and the untouched wilderness of Labrador.
Wild Atlantic Way
Spectacular views of the rugged cliffs and deep bays of County Donegal as you exit Irish airspace.
Greenland Ice Sheet
On more northerly tracks, witness the spectacular ice fjords and massive glaciers of Greenland's southern tip.
Labrador Wilderness
Vast stretches of subarctic forest, frozen lakes, and winding rivers in northern Canada.
St. Lawrence River
Cross the massive waterway that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
Appalachian Mountains
The ancient, rolling ridges of the Appalachians visible through Pennsylvania and West Virginia during the descent.
The right side faces north, providing soft, even light that is perfect for taking photos without glare. The most critical period is roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours into the flight; check the flight map frequently for 'Cape Farewell' to catch Greenland. Seasonal tip: in winter, this side offers the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis on evening departures.
Irish Midlands
Views of the lush green landscapes of central Ireland and the Shannon River as you climb out of Dublin.
Bay of Fundy
Observation of the massive tidal shifts and unique coastal formations along the Nova Scotia coastline.
East Coast Megalopolis
Distant views of the Boston, New York, and Philadelphia skylines as the plane tracks south along the coast.
Washington D.C. Skyline
Depending on the approach pattern into Dulles, potential glimpses of the Washington Monument and Capitol in the distance.
Potomac River
Final descent views of the winding Potomac River and the dense forests of the Virginia-Maryland border.
The left side faces south, meaning you will deal with direct sunlight and glare for the duration of the flight. For the best experience, keep your window shade down during the mid-Atlantic crossing to avoid heat, but open it as you cross over Nova Scotia. On the final approach into IAD, keep an eye out for the distinctive Dulles terminal designed by Eero Saarinen.
Distance: 5,464 km (3,395 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 26 min
Departure: DUB (53.421299, -6.27007)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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