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IAD → SDF
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Louisville International Standiford Field (Louisville)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Shenandoah National Park early in the flight and the iconic rolling horse farms of the Bluegrass region during the descent into Kentucky.
Search flights from IAD to SDF
Shenandoah National Park
Aerial views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the scenic Skyline Drive shortly after departure.
Monongahela National Forest
Deep green expanses of the West Virginia highlands, featuring some of the most rugged terrain in the East.
Charleston Capital
The gold-domed West Virginia State Capitol building is often visible as you pass over the Kanawha River.
Bluegrass Country
The geometric patterns of world-famous Thoroughbred horse farms surrounding Lexington, Kentucky.
Sit on the left for better lighting on afternoon flights, as the sun will be behind you or overhead. Look out for the distinct transition from the craggy Appalachian peaks to the rolling limestone-rich pastures of central Kentucky about 40 minutes into the flight.
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Potomac River
Views of the winding river valley that forms the border between Maryland and Virginia during takeoff.
Ridge-and-Valley Province
The unique, repeating parallel mountain ridges of the Appalachians that look like giant waves from above.
Ohio River
The massive waterway that serves as the gateway to the West, visible as you approach the Kentucky-Indiana border.
Downtown Louisville
Excellent views of the city skyline and the Big Four Bridge if the aircraft approaches SDF from the north.
The right side is ideal for seeing the geological 'folds' of the mountains shortly after reaching cruising altitude. If the flight arrives from the north, you will have a perfect view of the bridges crossing the Ohio River into Indiana just before landing.
Book Hotels in LouisvilleDistance: 725 km (450 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 13 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: SDF (38.1744, -85.736)
Route Type: Domestic
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