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SCE → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from University Park Airport (State College Pennsylvania) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the iconic Appalachian ridge-and-valley formations and a more direct view of the Potomac River crossing during the approach to Dulles.
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Rothrock State Forest
Dense, uninterrupted forest canopy covering the jagged ridges of Central Pennsylvania.
Appalachian Ridges
Stunning views of the parallel mountain ridges that characterize the geology of the Eastern United States.
Potomac River
A beautiful crossing of the Potomac near Leesburg, marking the transition from Maryland into Virginia.
Loudoun Wine Country
The rolling hills of Virginia's horse and wine country, dotted with large estates and vineyards just before landing.
The right side provides the best geological views of the mountain folds. On late afternoon or evening flights, this side offers dramatic sunset views over the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Look for the distinct 'water gaps' where rivers cut through the mountain ridges.
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Beaver Stadium
Clear view of the massive Penn State football stadium and the sprawling university campus immediately after takeoff.
Mount Nittany
The landmark flat-topped mountain that defines the geography of the Happy Valley region.
Susquehanna River
A glimpse of the wide, shallow riverbed as the flight path heads south toward the Maryland border.
Reston Urban Core
The high-rise buildings and development of Northern Virginia's technology corridor during the final descent.
Sit on the left if you want to see the Penn State campus one last time. For morning flights, this side will be shaded, which is better for photography as it avoids the glare from the rising sun in the east.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 214 km (133 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 21 min
Departure: SCE (40.8493003845, -77.84870147710002)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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