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SAL → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (San Salvador) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
Offers the best views of the Salvadoran volcanic lakes upon departure and a higher chance of spotting the DC area landmarks during the descent into Dulles.
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San Salvador Skyline
A bird's-eye view of the capital city and its surrounding valley immediately after takeoff.
Lake Ilopango
A massive, breathtaking volcanic caldera lake located just east of the city.
Caribbean Coastline
Depending on the track, see the shimmering coastline of Honduras and Belize in the distance.
Appalachian Ridges
Direct views of the unique corrugated ridge-and-valley formations of the eastern US.
Potomac River
The winding river marks your entry into the Washington D.C. metropolitan area during the final approach.
The right side is superior for the departure to see the volcanic geography of El Salvador. For afternoon flights, this side provides excellent lighting for photos of the Appalachian Mountains. On the approach to IAD, you might catch a glimpse of the Washington Monument in the distance depending on the runway alignment.
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Volcán de Santa Ana
The highest volcano in El Salvador is visible shortly after departure if heading northwest.
Guatemalan Highlands
Stunning views of the rugged mountainous terrain of southern Guatemala.
Gulf of Mexico
A long stretch of deep blue waters as you cross from Central America to the US coast.
Great Smoky Mountains
Distant vistas of the hazy blue ridges of the southern Appalachians.
Shenandoah Valley
Beautiful patchwork of farmland and rolling hills as you descend into Virginia.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare while viewing the Central American cordillera. Look for the massive crater of Santa Ana shortly after takeoff. In autumn, this side offers great views of the changing forest colors in the Appalachians.
Get eSIMs for El Salvador
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,057 km (1,900 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 36 min
Departure: SAL (13.4409, -89.055702)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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