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MSY → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers the most dramatic views of the Appalachian Mountains and the scenic Shenandoah Valley as you descend into the D.C. area.
Mississippi River Curves
Spectacular views of the massive river meanders and floodplains north of New Orleans shortly after takeoff.
Great Smoky Mountains
Distances views of the blue-misted peaks of the Southern Appalachians across Tennessee and North Carolina.
Shenandoah National Park
Aerial perspective of the lush, forested ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the descent.
Appalachian Trail
The rugged spine of the eastern United States is visible as a continuous green ridge stretching toward the horizon.
Opt for the left side on late afternoon or evening flights to see the sunset reflecting off the mountain ridges without direct sun glare. This side also provides a clearer view of the rolling Virginia countryside during the standard arrival patterns for Dulles.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Look down right after takeoff to see the world's longest bridge over water stretching across the lake.
Atlanta Metro Area
Depending on the specific flight corridor, you may see the sprawling outskirts and skylines of the Georgia capital.
The Piedmont Plateau
View the transition from the coastal plains to the rolling hills of the Carolinas and Virginia.
Potomac River
As the plane banks for arrival, catch glimpses of the wide river that separates Virginia from Maryland.
The right side is best for morning flights to enjoy the early light over the coastal plains. Watch for the massive expanse of Lake Pontchartrain immediately after departing MSY, which is often more visible from this side depending on the runway heading.
Distance: 1,536 km (954 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 3 min
Departure: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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