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IAD → SCE
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to University Park Airport (State College Pennsylvania)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most iconic views of the flight, specifically the Penn State University campus and Beaver Stadium during the approach into State College.
Search flights from IAD to SCE
Beaver Stadium
The massive home of Penn State football is a dominant landmark on the final approach into State College.
Penn State Campus
A comprehensive view of the sprawling University Park campus, including the iconic Old Main building.
Downtown State College
The dense cluster of high-rises and commercial buildings forming the heart of the 'Happy Valley' region.
Catoctin Mountain
The easternmost ridge of the Appalachians, visible shortly after departure from Dulles.
Sitting on the right is essential for football fans; depending on the wind, the aircraft often banks directly over the stadium. Morning flights are ideal for photography on this side as the sun will be behind the aircraft, illuminating the campus clearly.
Book Hotels in State College PennsylvaniaBlue Ridge Mountains
Continuous mountain ridges stretching along the horizon during the initial climb.
Shenandoah Valley
Expansive views of the fertile agricultural valley known for its historic farmland and rural beauty.
Potomac River
Aerial perspective of the river as it winds through the mountains near the Maryland and Virginia border.
Tuscarora State Forest
Densely wooded ridges showcasing the classic folded geology of the Appalachian Ridge-and-Valley province.
Look for the distinct geological 'folds' during the descent; this route crosses some of the finest examples of ridge-and-valley topography in the world. Late afternoon flights provide dramatic shadows that highlight the elevation of the ridges.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 214 km (133 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 21 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: SCE (40.8493003845, -77.84870147710002)
Route Type: Domestic
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