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IAD destination photo
FRA destination photo

IADFRA

Our Recommendation
8.4

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the best potential for viewing the Northern Lights during the trans-Atlantic crossing and provides iconic views of the Canadian Maritimes and the green landscape of Ireland upon entering European airspace.

Left Side Highlights
8.4
🏙️

Northeast Megalopolis

Distant but glowing views of Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston as you track northeast along the US coast.

🌊

Nova Scotia & Newfoundland

Rugged shorelines and deep bays of the Canadian Maritimes are often visible before the deep ocean crossing begins.

✨

Aurora Borealis

On northern-latitude tracks during night flights, the left side provides a front-row seat to potential geomagnetic activity.

☘️

Southern Ireland

The first glimpse of Europe usually features the lush, emerald-green fields near Cork or Waterford.

🏰

Low Countries

Aerial views of the densely populated urban centers of Belgium and the southern Netherlands during the descent.

Book an overnight flight departing after 6:00 PM for the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis; bring a dark blanket to cover your head and the window to block cabin reflections. On arrival, the left side often avoids direct glare from the morning sun.

Right Side Highlights
7.6
🦀

Chesapeake Bay

Sweeping views of the massive estuary and the Delmarva Peninsula immediately after departing Dulles.

🌅

Mid-Atlantic Sunrise

A spectacular view of the sun rising over the horizon, typically occurring about 2-3 hours before landing.

🚢

English Channel

Views of the busy shipping lanes and the northern coastline of France as you cross toward central Europe.

🍇

Rhine River Valley

Breathtaking views of the winding Rhine River and its famous vineyards during the final approach into Frankfurt.

🏢

Frankfurt Skyline

Clear views of 'Mainhattan,' Germany's only major skyscraper cluster, depending on the active runway configuration.

The right side will be hit by direct, intense sunlight during the morning arrival into Europe; keep your window shade down if you want to sleep, but open it as you cross the Rhine River for beautiful German landscapes. The sunrise is the primary highlight here.

Top Activities in Frankfurt
Route Information

Distance: 6,551 km (4,071 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 42 min

Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)

Route Type: International

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