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PHX → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the colorful Arizona landscapes, potential sightings of the southern Colorado Plateau, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and a more scenic approach into the Dulles area over the Potomac.
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Mogollon Rim
The dramatic southern escarpment of the Colorado Plateau, visible shortly after takeoff.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored rock layers stretching across northeastern Arizona.
Gateway Arch
If the flight path follows the typical northern corridor, the St. Louis skyline and Arch are visible.
Mississippi & Ohio Rivers
Major waterway crossings providing a clear geographical marker of the transition to the East.
Shenandoah Valley
Beautiful green vistas and ridges of the Appalachian Mountains during the descent.
On this eastbound route, the left side (North) stays in the shade, providing better conditions for photography without sun glare. Keep your eyes peeled about 30-40 minutes after takeoff for the red rocks of the Southwest. For the approach into IAD, this side often offers views of the Potomac River and the distant DC skyline depending on the landing pattern.
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Superstition Mountains
Rugged peaks and desert wilderness located just east of the Phoenix metro area.
Great Plains Wind Farms
Massive clusters of wind turbines visible across the flat horizons of Oklahoma or Kansas.
Ozark National Forest
Rolling hills and dense forest canopies across Missouri and Arkansas.
Monongahela National Forest
The high, rugged ridges of West Virginia's portion of the Appalachian range.
Loudoun County Estates
A birds-eye view of Northern Virginia's famous horse country and sprawling estates during final approach.
The right side (South) will be very sunny for the duration of the flight, so keep your window shade partially closed to manage heat. This side is excellent for viewing the vast agricultural patterns of the Midwest and the distinct textures of the Appalachian ridgelines during the final hour of flight.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 3,142 km (1,952 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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