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RDU → BDL
Which side of the plane to sit from Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham) to Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it provides a front-row seat to the massive urban corridors of the Northeast, including distant views of Washington D.C., a direct look at Philadelphia, and a stunning aerial perspective of the Manhattan skyline during the descent into the Connecticut River Valley.
Philadelphia Skyline
Clear views of Center City skyscrapers and the industrial curves of the Delaware River as you pass over Pennsylvania.
Manhattan Skyline
An iconic view of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the dense urban grid of New York City during the northern leg of the flight.
Hudson Highlands
As the plane begins its descent, you can often see the lush, rolling terrain and steep ridges of the lower Hudson Valley.
D.C. Perimeter
On clear days, the distant white monuments of the capital are visible as the flight tracks northeast from North Carolina.
For the best experience, choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. Morning flights are ideal for the left side as the sun will be behind you, providing perfect lighting for photography of the New York City skyline. During the final approach into BDL, keep an eye out for the winding Farmington River.
Chesapeake Bay
Extensive views of the bay's intricate coastline, bridge-tunnels, and the transition from the Virginia mainland to the Eastern Shore.
The Jersey Shore
A panoramic view of the Atlantic coastline, including the barrier islands and coastal inlets of New Jersey.
Long Island Sound
A beautiful view of the water separating Long Island and Connecticut, often dotted with white sails and ferries.
Connecticut River
As the plane turns toward Bradley, you will see the wide, meandering Connecticut River which defines the geography of the destination area.
The right side is perfect for late afternoon or sunset flights to catch the orange glow reflecting off the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island Sound. Keep a lookout for the major bridges connecting Long Island to the mainland, which are easily identifiable from cruising altitude.
Distance: 856 km (532 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Arrival: BDL (41.9388999939, -72.68319702149999)
Route Type: Domestic
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