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SJU → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the historic San Juan coastline during departure and a better angle for the scenic transition from the Atlantic Ocean to the United States coastline near the Outer Banks and Chesapeake Bay.
Old San Juan
Sweeping views of the historic El Morro fort and the colorful colonial streets of the islet during takeoff.
North Coast Karst
Dramatic views of Puerto Rico's rugged northern limestone cliffs and the Atlantic surf.
Turks and Caicos
Distal views of the stunning turquoise shallow banks and coral reefs as you head north over the Atlantic.
The Outer Banks
A clear perspective of the thin barrier islands and the distinct Cape Hatteras lighthouse area as you reach the US coast.
Norfolk Naval Base
Passing over the massive harbor of Hampton Roads, home to one of the world's largest naval concentrations.
Chesapeake Bay
An expansive view of the western shore of the bay and the mouths of the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers.
Book a window seat on the left for the most iconic views of San Juan's historic fortifications. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you as you fly north, providing perfect lighting for photography of the North Carolina and Virginia coastlines. Keep an eye out for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel during the initial stages of your descent into IAD.
El Yunque Rainforest
A distant look at the lush, cloud-shrouded peaks of the rainforest to the east shortly after departure.
Deep Atlantic
Uninterrupted views of the deep sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the cruise phase.
Bahamian Cays
Glimpses of the easternmost cays of the Bahamas archipelago appearing as jewels in the blue sea.
Wallops Island
Depending on the specific arrival route, you may see the NASA rocket launch facility on the Virginia coast.
Eastern Shore
Bird's-eye views of the intricate salt marshes and barrier islands of the Delmarva Peninsula.
Northern Virginia
The final approach offers views of the rolling green landscapes and suburban sprawl of Loudoun County.
The right side is ideal for passengers who prefer the serenity of the open ocean. If flying during the afternoon, be aware that the sun will be on this side, potentially requiring the window shade to be down due to heat and glare. On the descent into Dulles, the right side often gets a great view of the airport layout before the final turn to the runway.
Distance: 2,534 km (1,575 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 23 min
Departure: SJU (18.4393997192, -66.0018005371)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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