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GSP → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (Greenville) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the rolling ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the iconic Shenandoah Valley throughout most of the flight.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Stunning views of the ancient, undulating ridges that define the Appalachian chain shortly after takeoff from GSP.
Shenandoah National Park
Expansive vistas of dense forests and the protected wilderness of Virginia's most famous national park.
Skyline Drive
Spot the winding road that snakes along the crest of the mountains as you approach the DC Metro area.
Shenandoah Valley
The fertile, flat valley floor nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains, dotted with historic farms.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare while viewing the mountains. This side is especially breathtaking in mid-to-late October when fall foliage turns the ridges into a tapestry of orange and red. Ensure you are seated ahead of the wing for an unobstructed view of the peaks.
Piedmont Plateau
The transition zone between the mountains and the coastal plain, featuring rolling hills and neat patchworks of farmland.
Lake Anna
A large, man-made reservoir in central Virginia that is clearly visible during the mid-portion of the flight path.
Charlottesville Vicinity
Catch a distant glimpse of the region surrounding the University of Virginia as the plane tracks northeast.
Northern Virginia Suburbs
View the dense residential development and highway networks of Manassas and Fairfax during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to enjoy the warm golden hour light hitting the landscape. While it offers fewer dramatic landforms than the left, it provides a better view of the suburban sprawl and the approach into the Dulles airport complex. Keep an eye out for the distinct circular shapes of suburban cul-de-sacs as you lower in altitude.
Distance: 618 km (384 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 2 min
Departure: GSP (34.895698547399995, -82.2189025879)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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