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MSY destination photo
IAD destination photo

MSYIAD

Our Recommendation
7.8

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

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.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🌉

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.

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Route Information

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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