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FRA → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled view of the Greenland ice cap and the rugged Canadian coastline, benefiting from indirect northern light which is perfect for photography.
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Northern British Isles
Depending on the jet stream, views of the rugged Scottish Highlands or the jagged coast of Northern Ireland.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The absolute highlight; a majestic expanse of glaciers, fjords, and massive white ice fields.
Iceberg Alley
Spot giant icebergs floating in the Labrador Sea off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Labrador Wilderness
Untouched boreal forests and thousands of small lakes in the Canadian Shield region.
Appalachian Ridges
The long, parallel mountain ridges of Pennsylvania and Maryland as you approach Dulles.
The right side is the 'cool' side—literally and figuratively. You avoid the direct sun, making it easier to keep your window shade up. Greenland usually appears 4-5 hours into the flight. Use a flight tracker to time your 'Greenland watch' as this is the most scenic portion of the transatlantic crossing.
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Rhine River Valley
Immediate views of the German landscape and the winding Rhine River shortly after departure from Frankfurt.
English Channel
Aerial perspective of the world's busiest shipping lanes and the distant coastlines of France and England.
Cape Cod & Islands
The distinctive hook of Massachusetts and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are often visible.
East Coast Megalopolis
Distant but sprawling views of New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore as the flight tracks south.
Chesapeake Bay
The vast estuary and its intricate network of inlets during the descent into the DC metropolitan area.
While the left side gets direct sunlight (which can be harsh), it is superior for spotting the urban centers of the US East Coast. Sit behind the wing to avoid engine heat blur when photographing the coastline. Expect significant glare during the mid-portion of this westbound daytime flight.
Get eSIMs for Germany
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 6,551 km (4,071 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 42 min
Departure: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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