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GRR → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Grand Rapids) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic transition from the Midwest plains into the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains and the lush Shenandoah Valley during the descent.
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Columbus Skyline
On a clear day, the downtown buildings of Ohio's capital are visible to the southwest.
Monongahela Forest
Fly over the dense, verdant canopy of West Virginia's massive national forest.
Shenandoah Valley
A beautiful patchwork of farmland and historic sites tucked between mountain ridges.
Virginia Horse Country
The final minutes of flight reveal the grand estates and manicured paddocks of Loudoun County.
The right side is unbeatable during sunset, as the light catches the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sit behind the wing to ensure your view of the Shenandoah Valley isn't obstructed during the steep banking maneuvers common for IAD landings.
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Cleveland Metro
View the urban sprawl and the Lake Erie shoreline as the flight heads southeast.
Allegheny Plateau
Observe the deeply dissected plateau of Pennsylvania as the terrain turns rugged.
Upper Potomac River
See the winding silver ribbon of the Potomac River marking the border between Maryland and West Virginia.
Dulles Tech Corridor
Modern architectural complexes and data centers visible during the final approach into IAD.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the glare of the southern sun. During the final descent, look for the distinct river bends of the Potomac, which are particularly striking when the water reflects the sky.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 806 km (501 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: GRR (42.88079834, -85.52279663)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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