Loading map...
IAD → SAT
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to San Antonio International Airport (San Antonio)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the diverse transition from the Appalachian highlands through the Ozark Mountains and finally into the iconic Texas Hill Country during the descent.
Search flights from IAD to SAT
Allegheny Plateaus
Deeply dissected mountain terrain and high plateaus of West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky.
Ozark Mountains
Ancient, rounded peaks and dense forests offering vibrant colors during the autumn months.
Arkansas River Valley
Distinctive river bends and the Little Rock metropolitan area visible from high altitude.
Texas Hill Country
The rugged, scenic limestone terrain and cedar breaks just north of San Antonio during the descent.
Western Horizon
Ideal for evening flights to catch the sun setting over the vast plains of the central United States.
Opt for the right side on afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. This side provides the best view of the Ozark National Forest and the beautiful limestone topography of the Hill Country. In clear weather, you might even spot the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to the far north as you pass through Oklahoma and North Texas.
Book Hotels in San Antonio
Blue Ridge Mountains
Iconic parallel ridges of the Appalachians visible shortly after departing Dulles.
Tennessee River
Wide silver ribbons of water snaking through the southern landscape near the Alabama border.
Mississippi River
The continent's largest waterway serves as a massive geographic landmark near the flight's midpoint.
East Texas Forests
A vast green carpet of the Piney Woods region as the plane transitions from Arkansas into Texas.
San Antonio Skyline
Potential views of the Tower of the Americas and the city center if the approach loops from the south.
Sit on the left for morning departures to catch the sun lighting up the Shenandoah Valley. During the descent, keep an eye out for the vast Piney Woods region. This side is also better for spotting the Mississippi River crossing if the flight path stays on a more southerly track.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,189 km (1,360 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 55 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: SAT (29.533700942993164, -98.46980285644533)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.