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MBJ destination photo
IAD destination photo

MBJIAD

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the Caribbean islands, the length of the U.S. East Coast, and the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains during the descent into Virginia.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏝️

Montego Bay Coast

Aerial views of the Jamaican shoreline and the vibrant reef systems immediately after takeoff.

🇨🇺

Central Cuba

A cross-section of the Cuban landscape, featuring agricultural fields and the northern cays.

🚀

Cape Canaveral

On clear days, see the Kennedy Space Center and the distinct geometry of the launch pads.

🌊

The Outer Banks

The slender, sandy barrier islands of North Carolina stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean.

⛰️

Blue Ridge Mountains

Rolling forested ridges and the Shenandoah Valley as the aircraft begins its final approach.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. This side provides the best perspective of the U.S. coastline as the flight path usually stays slightly offshore. Look out for the distinct transition from the Caribbean's turquoise waters to the deep navy of the Atlantic.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🇧🇸

The Bahamas

Distant views of the turquoise waters surrounding the Great Bahama Bank and Andros Island.

🚢

Atlantic Shipping Lanes

Frequent sightings of cargo ships and cruise liners navigating the busy waters off the East Coast.

🦀

Chesapeake Bay

Excellent views of the massive estuary and the bridges connecting the Delmarva Peninsula.

🏛️

Potomac River

Views of the winding river that serves as the border between Virginia and Maryland.

The right side is ideal for catching a sunrise over the Atlantic if you are on a very early flight. During the arrival into IAD, this side often sees the suburban sprawl of Northern Virginia and, depending on the landing pattern, a distant silhouette of the Washington D.C. monuments.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 2,273 km (1,412 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 2 min

Departure: MBJ (18.503700256347656, -77.91339874267578)

Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Route Type: International

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