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IAD → CDG
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for transatlantic flights from the U.S. to Europe as it avoids direct solar glare during the morning arrival and offers the best chance to view the Canadian Maritimes, the UK coastline, and potential Aurora Borealis displays during winter months.
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East Coast Megalopolis
Shortly after takeoff, view the glittering lights of Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston as you track northeast.
Newfoundland Coastline
The rugged cliffs and icy waters of St. John's and the Avalon Peninsula are often visible before the ocean crossing.
Aurora Borealis
On nighttime winter flights, the northern horizon often features dancing green lights of the Aurora.
English Channel
As you reach Europe, you may spot the southern coast of England and the busy shipping lanes of the Channel.
Port of Le Havre
The industrial beauty of the Seine estuary and the port of Le Havre appear as the plane enters French airspace.
Choose the left side for 'red-eye' flights to avoid the harsh morning sun during descent. For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, fly between November and March and keep your window shade open during the middle of the flight. During the approach to CDG, the left side often provides a distant view of the Paris city center if landing on runways 26L/R.
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Chesapeake Bay
Excellent views of the Maryland coastline and the massive bay system immediately following departure from IAD.
Atlantic Sunrise
A front-row seat to a spectacular sunrise over the clouds as you approach the European continent.
Normandy Coast
The historic beaches and chalk cliffs of Normandy are visible if the flight path tracks slightly south.
French Countryside
The patchwork of green fields and small villages in Northern France provides a scenic backdrop for the final descent.
The right side is ideal for sunrise enthusiasts, but be aware that the sun will be very bright and may make the cabin hot during the final two hours of the flight. If the flight takes a more southerly Great Circle route, look out for the Channel Islands. Use a high shutter speed for sunrise photos to capture the vibrant orange and pink gradients without blur.
Book Hotels in ParisDistance: 6,198 km (3,851 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 18 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Route Type: International
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