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RDU → DFW
Which side of the plane to sit from Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas-Fort Worth)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains shortly after departure and provides a more direct view of the Dallas skyline during many standard arrival patterns into DFW.
Search flights from RDU to DFW
Great Smoky Mountains
Aerial views of the highest ridges in the Appalachian chain, including Clingmans Dome.
Tennessee River
Watch for the massive, winding bends of the river as it snakes through eastern Tennessee.
Mississippi River
A crossing over the wide, muddy banks of the continent's most famous river south of Memphis.
Ouachita National Forest
The unique east-west running ridges of the Ouachita Mountains in central Arkansas.
Dallas Skyline
During the 'JEN9' or 'CEDAR' arrivals, the left side often looks south toward the iconic Bank of America Plaza.
On morning flights, the sun is to the left (south), which can be bright; however, this side offers the best geographic landmarks. In the late afternoon, this side is shaded, providing better conditions for photography of the Appalachians and the Mississippi River. Look for the distinct 'oxbow' lakes along the Mississippi border.
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Get eSIMs for United StatesBlue Ridge Mountains
Views of the rolling, hazy peaks of the northern Blue Ridge range shortly after take-off.
Nashville Basin
Distances views of the Cumberland River and the sprawling Nashville metropolitan area.
Memphis & The Pyramid
On more northernly tracks, you may spot the Memphis skyline and the iconic Bass Pro Shops Pyramid.
Ozark Foothills
The rugged, forested terrain of the southern Ozarks across northern Arkansas.
Grapevine Lake
A clear view of this massive recreational lake just before touchdown at DFW.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset as you head west. It typically offers a great view of the airport's massive infrastructure (terminals and runways) if landing from the north. Keep an eye out for the Arkansas River valley as you transition from the hills to the plains.
Book Hotels in Dallas-Fort WorthDistance: 1,705 km (1,059 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 16 min
Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Arrival: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)
Route Type: Domestic
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