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PEK → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for trans-polar routes, offering the best chance to witness the Aurora Borealis and the most dramatic views of the Arctic tundra and Siberian mountain ranges.
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Siberian Tundra
Vast, untouched frozen landscapes of the Sakha Republic with winding, ice-locked rivers.
Aurora Borealis
High probability of seeing the Northern Lights during the dark segments over high latitudes.
Brooks Range
The jagged, snow-capped peaks of northern Alaska visible as you cross the Bering Strait.
Hudson Bay
Stunning patterns of sea ice and the rugged coastline of northern Manitoba and Ontario.
Boreal Forest
The deep green expanse of the Canadian Taiga transitioning into the northern United States.
Select a window seat away from the wing for unobstructed views of the Arctic. Since this route often involves long periods of darkness, keep your eyes peeled over Siberia and Alaska for the Aurora Borealis. Bring a dark hoodie or blanket to cover your head and the window to eliminate cabin glare for the best night viewing.
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Sea of Okhotsk
The dramatic meeting of the Siberian coastline and the cold Pacific waters.
Mount Denali
Possible distant views of North America's highest peak depending on the specific flight corridor.
Canadian Prairies
The geometric beauty of agricultural fields in central Canada as you head southeast.
Appalachian Mountains
The characteristic long, parallel ridges of the eastern US mountains during descent.
Shenandoah Valley
Lush greenery and historic Virginian landscapes just before landing at Dulles.
The right side benefits from better natural lighting during the daylight portions of the flight as the sun is typically positioned to the south. This side offers a more interesting perspective during the final 30 minutes of the flight as you descend over the verdant hills of Virginia and the Potomac River basin.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 11,113 km (6,905 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 13 hrs 4 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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