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IAD → GSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (Greenville)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a front-row seat to the dramatic Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling terrain of the Appalachian range, particularly striking during sunset or clear autumn days.
Shenandoah National Park
Stunning views of the Skyline Drive and the long, linear ridges of the Shenandoah valley shortly after departure.
Appalachian Ridges
Continuous sightings of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests with their dense canopy and deep, jagged valleys.
Smith Mountain Lake
The sprawling, zig-zagging shoreline of this major reservoir is a prominent blue landmark visible near the Roanoke area.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The scenic motorway can often be seen winding like a ribbon through the high ridges of the Virginia and North Carolina mountains.
Upstate Foothills
Descending into the Greenville-Spartanburg region offers views of the dramatic transition from the mountains to the South Carolina plateau.
Sit on the right for morning flights to avoid the harsh eastern glare and for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Appalachian chain. Look out early in the flight for the Shenandoah River. In mid-to-late October, this side offers an incredible aerial perspective of the changing fall foliage.
Northern Virginia Sprawl
Glimpse the dense suburban landscape of Fairfax and Prince William counties immediately after takeoff from Dulles.
Central Virginia Vistas
Wide views of the Piedmont plateau and distant glimpses toward the direction of the Richmond metropolitan area.
Agricultural Patchwork
The landscape transitions into the distinct patterns of North Carolina's rolling hills and farmland as you cross the border.
Charlotte Metro Area
During the descent phase, look for the distant skyscrapers of the Charlotte skyline and the surrounding suburban expansion to the east.
The left side is ideal for avoiding direct afternoon sun when flying south. It offers better views of the sprawling urban development of the East Coast corridor and typically features smoother lighting for photography as you avoid the high-contrast shadows of the mountain peaks.
Distance: 618 km (384 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 2 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: GSP (34.895698547399995, -82.2189025879)
Route Type: Domestic
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