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IAD → ATL
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers consistent views of the Appalachian mountain range and the lush Shenandoah Valley, providing superior natural scenery throughout the journey.
Shenandoah Valley
Beautiful views of the valley floor sandwiched between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains shortly after departure.
Appalachian Ridges
The distinctive 'fold and thrust' geology of the Appalachian range creates long, parallel forested ridges visible for most of the flight.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The famous scenic motorway can be spotted winding along the mountain crests through Virginia and North Carolina.
North Georgia Mountains
The southern terminus of the Appalachians, featuring dense forests and deep green valleys as you cross the state line.
Atlanta Skyline
On many landing patterns, the right side provides a panoramic view of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta skyscrapers during the descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to enjoy the sunset behind the mountains. Keep your window shade open during the first 20 minutes to see the Shenandoah National Park. For the best chance at the Atlanta skyline, look out as the plane begins its 'base leg' turn toward the airport from the north or west.
Dulles Corridor
Aerial views of the rapidly expanding Northern Virginia tech hub and suburban landscape immediately after takeoff.
Richmond Metro
The Virginia state capital and the winding James River are often visible to the east in the first half of the flight.
Lake Lanier
A massive reservoir in North Georgia that hosted the 1996 Olympic rowing events, visible during the descent.
Stone Mountain
The world's largest piece of exposed granite, located just east of Atlanta, is a prominent landmark on the left during final approach.
ATL Terminals
A clear view of the massive Hartsfield-Jackson terminal complex and its parallel runways during the final taxi phase.
Opt for the left side on morning flights to see the sunrise over the Atlantic coastal plain. Watch for Stone Mountain approximately 10 to 15 minutes before touchdown; it appears as a massive grey dome amidst the green canopy. If the flight path takes a southern approach, you may also catch glimpses of the Charlotte, NC skyline in the distance.
Distance: 859 km (534 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Route Type: Domestic
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