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IAD → RUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more diverse sequence of landscapes, including the European Alps and the Black Sea, while avoiding the harsh glare of the southern sun during the mid-flight daylight hours.
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Northeast Corridor
Aerial views of the sprawling urban landscapes of Philadelphia and New York City shortly after departure.
The Alps
Majestic snow-capped peaks of Switzerland and Austria visible during the early morning crossing of Europe.
Black Sea
The deep blue expanse of the Black Sea and the rugged coastline of northern Turkey.
Caucasus Mountains
Sharp, dramatic mountain ridges forming the natural border between Europe and Asia.
Al-Jawf Desert
Intricate geological patterns and ancient oasis settlements in northern Saudi Arabia during the descent.
Choose a window seat in the front or mid-cabin to avoid wing obstruction. Since this flight usually departs IAD in the evening, the first half is dark; the left side is ideal for catching the sunrise over Europe without the direct sun hitting your window. In the final two hours, watch for the geometric patterns of circular irrigation farms in the Saudi desert.
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Atlantic Sunrise
A breathtaking panoramic sunrise over the North Atlantic horizon during the overnight crossing.
Mediterranean Islands
Potential sightings of the Balearic Islands or the southern coasts of Italy and Greece.
Sinai Peninsula
The stark, mountainous desert of the Sinai and the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.
The Red Sea
The vibrant turquoise transition where the Egyptian desert meets the deep blue of the Red Sea.
An Nafud Desert
Vast stretches of reddish sand dunes and volcanic basalt flows in the Arabian interior.
The right side is excellent for photography of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea coastline. However, be prepared for intense sunlight during the afternoon arrival in Riyadh; keeping the window shade partially down may be necessary. For the best views of the Saudi 'Great Nafud' desert, look out approximately 90 minutes before landing.
Book Hotels in RiyadhDistance: 10,842 km (6,737 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 45 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Route Type: International
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