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IAD → CAE
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (Columbia)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a continuous panorama of the Appalachian mountain range and a stunning aerial view of Lake Murray during the final approach into Columbia.
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Shenandoah National Park
Expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling Shenandoah Valley to the west.
Peaks of Otter
Three iconic mountain peaks located along the Blue Ridge Parkway in western Virginia.
Charlotte Skyline
On clear days, the skyscrapers of North Carolina's largest city can be seen rising from the horizon.
Lake Murray
A spectacular sight on descent, showing the massive Dreher Island State Park and the Saluda Dam.
Book an afternoon flight to see the silhouette of the Appalachians against the sunset. Request a seat behind the wing to get the best photos of Lake Murray during the descent, as the aircraft often banks right over the water before landing. In winter, look for snow caps on the higher Virginia ridges.
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Quantico & Potomac
Bird's-eye view of the massive Marine Corps base and the wide bends of the Potomac River shortly after takeoff.
Richmond Skyline
The capital of Virginia is visible mid-flight, featuring the James River cutting through the downtown area.
Research Triangle
Distant views of the Raleigh and Durham urban centers as the plane traverses North Carolina.
Congaree National Park
As the flight nears Columbia, the deep green canopy of one of the largest intact hardwood forests in the Southeast is visible.
Morning flights provide the best lighting for the left side without the afternoon sun glare. Watch for the fall colors in the Piedmont region during October and November. When approaching CAE from the northeast, this side occasionally catches glimpses of downtown Columbia before the final turn.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 646 km (401 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: CAE (33.93880081176758, -81.11949920654297)
Route Type: Domestic
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