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IAD → JAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Jacksonville International Airport (Jacksonville)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the Atlantic coastline, featuring iconic barrier islands, historic coastal cities, and the intricate waterways of the Lowcountry.
Chesapeake Bay
Shortly after takeoff from IAD, witness the vast expanse of the Chesapeake Bay and the mouth of the Potomac River.
Outer Banks
Look for the thin, fragile strip of North Carolina's barrier islands, including the distinctive Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Charleston Harbor
Spot the historic Ravenel Bridge and Fort Sumter where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet the Atlantic.
Savannah River
View the winding Savannah River separating South Carolina and Georgia, surrounded by lush marshlands.
Amelia Island
As you descend into Jacksonville, you'll pass over the luxury resorts and pristine beaches of Fernandina and Amelia Island.
Sit on the left for the best sunrise views on morning flights, though afternoon flights offer better lighting for photography of the coastline without solar glare. This side is particularly scenic during the fall when the coastal marshes turn a vibrant gold.
Blue Ridge Distant Peaks
On clear days, the hazy blue silhouette of the Appalachian Mountains is visible to the far west during the first half of the flight.
The Research Triangle
Fly west of the Raleigh-Durham area, spotting the dense canopy of the 'City of Oaks' and its surrounding suburban sprawl.
Piedmont Forests
Enjoy views of the rolling hills and deep green pine forests that define the interior of the Carolinas.
Okefenokee Fringe
Near the Florida border, look for the dark, swampy terrain signaling the edge of the great southern wetlands.
St. Johns River
Watch the massive St. Johns River snake through the landscape as the aircraft begins its final approach into JAX.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep an eye out for the distinct geometric patterns of southern timber farms and the vast network of rivers that feed into the Atlantic.
Distance: 1,016 km (631 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: JAX (30.49410057067871, -81.68789672851562)
Route Type: Domestic
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