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RIC destination photo
DFW destination photo

RICDFW

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the Appalachian ridges early in the flight and provides the most consistent opportunities to see city skylines and the southern curve of the Mississippi River.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
⛰️

Blue Ridge Mountains

Aerial views of the iconic blue-hued peaks of the southern Appalachian range shortly after departure.

🏞️

Tennessee River Valley

The winding path of the Tennessee River as it snakes through the valley floors of eastern Tennessee.

🌉

Mississippi River

A major milestone crossing the 'Big Muddy' near Memphis, showcasing the massive scale of the river's floodplains.

🌲

Ouachita National Forest

Dense pine-covered ridges and valleys as the flight traverses western Arkansas.

🏙️

Dallas Skyline

On many common approach patterns to DFW from the east, the downtown Dallas skyscrapers are clearly visible to the south.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. Watch for the Mississippi River crossing roughly 2 hours into the flight. During the winter, the snow-dusted Appalachian ridges are particularly striking from this side.

Right Side Highlights
7.3
🌄

Shenandoah Valley

Panoramic views of the fertile valley sandwiched between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies.

🍃

Ozark National Forest

The rugged, rolling plateau of northern Arkansas known for its deep green canopy and unique geological formations.

💧

Lewisville Lake

A massive reservoir in North Texas that serves as a primary visual landmark for pilots landing at DFW from the north.

✈️

DFW Mega-Terminal

A spectacular view of one of the world's largest airport complexes during the final descent and taxi.

Ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun. Look for the Appalachian ridge-and-valley province early in the flight, which creates a mesmerizing corrugated pattern on the landscape. If landing from the north, you'll get a great view of the Texas suburban sprawl and local lakes.

Top Activities in Dallas-Fort Worth
Route Information

Distance: 1,859 km (1,155 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 29 min

Departure: RIC (37.50519943237305, -77.3197021484375)

Arrival: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)

Route Type: Domestic

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