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IAD → DAY
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to James M Cox Dayton International Airport (Dayton)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains and the expansive Shenandoah Valley immediately after departure from Dulles.
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Blue Ridge Mountains
Stunning views of the rolling, hazy blue ridges of the Appalachian range shortly after takeoff.
Shenandoah Valley
A massive, fertile valley nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains.
George Washington National Forest
Vast stretches of protected forest land covering the border between Virginia and West Virginia.
Miami Valley
Detailed views of the southern Dayton suburbs and the Great Miami River basin during final descent.
Choose a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight while seeing the mountain ridges illuminated. The best views occur in the first 20 minutes of the flight; keep your camera ready for the contrast between the valley floor and the surrounding peaks. In autumn, the foliage colors are spectacular on this side.
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Potomac River
Trace the winding path of the Potomac as it carves through the landscape near the MD/VA border.
Harpers Ferry
Spot the historic town located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
Monongahela National Forest
High-altitude plateau scenery and rugged wilderness areas in the heart of West Virginia.
Ohio River Crossing
A clear view of the industrial and natural geography where the flight crosses into Ohio territory.
The right side is excellent for spotting historical landmarks like Harpers Ferry early in the flight. During the winter, the snow-dusted ridges of the Allegheny Mountains are more pronounced from this angle. Afternoon flights on this side will enjoy the best lighting conditions for photography as the sun moves toward the west.
Book Hotels in DaytonDistance: 590 km (367 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 59 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: DAY (39.90240097045898, -84.21939849853516)
Route Type: Domestic
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