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PHL → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most iconic views of the Philadelphia skyline and the sports complex immediately after takeoff, followed by a clear perspective of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and the rolling hills of Northern Virginia.
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Center City Philadelphia
Unmatched views of the Comcast Technology Center and Liberty Place skyscrapers right after departure.
South Philly Sports Complex
Spot Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, and the Wells Fargo Center from a low altitude.
Susquehanna River
A beautiful view of the wide, rocky riverbed as you cross from Maryland into Pennsylvania.
Baltimore Inner Harbor
View the dense urban center of Baltimore and its famous harbor during the mid-flight segment.
Blue Ridge Foothills
As you descend into IAD, enjoy the scenic green rolling hills and equestrian estates of Loudoun County.
Sit on the right for the best photographic opportunities of Philadelphia. Late afternoon flights are particularly scenic on this side as the sun illuminates the skylines of Philly and Baltimore. To avoid wing obstruction of the ground features, choose a seat forward of the wing or at the very back of the cabin.
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Philadelphia Navy Yard
A clear view of the historic shipyard and decommissioned naval vessels shortly after takeoff.
Delaware River
Follow the winding water border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey as the plane gains altitude.
Upper Chesapeake Bay
Expansive views of the northernmost reaches of the bay and the Susquehanna River mouth.
DC Distant Skyline
On a clear day, look southwest to see the distant silhouette of the Washington Monument.
The left side is ideal for early morning flights to see the sun rising over the New Jersey coastline and the Delaware Bay. It is the quieter side for views until the approach into Dulles, where you might see the suburban sprawl of Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 216 km (134 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 22 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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