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STT → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Cyril E. King Airport (St. Thomas) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior sequence of Caribbean geography, featuring the turquoise waters of the Turks and Caicos and the stunning island chains of the Bahamas, followed by a scenic crossing of the Mid-Atlantic coastline.
Puerto Rico & Culebra
Aerial views of the Spanish Virgin Islands and the rugged northeast coast of Puerto Rico shortly after takeoff.
Turks and Caicos Banks
Stunning transitions from deep indigo to bright neon turquoise over the shallow Caicos Bank.
The Bahamas Archipelago
Prime views of the Exuma Cays and Eleuthera, showcasing narrow strips of white sand surrounded by clear water.
Outer Banks (OBX)
The thin, fragile barrier islands of North Carolina, including Cape Hatteras and the sound side marshes.
Chesapeake Bay
Crossing the massive estuary with views of the Virginia coastline and numerous naval vessels near Norfolk.
Sit on the left to avoid the harsh afternoon sun glare on northbound flights. This side is significantly better for island-spotting during the first two hours. Keep your camera ready about 45-60 minutes into the flight for the most vibrant reef colors near the Bahamas. For arrival, this side often sees the Dulles Greenway and Northern Virginia's rolling hills.
British Virgin Islands
Excellent views of Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and the smaller cays during the initial climbing turn out of STT.
Open Atlantic
Vast stretches of the deep Atlantic Ocean where you can occasionally spot large cargo ships and cruise liners.
Delmarva Peninsula
Views of the Eastern Shore's agricultural lands and the Atlantic beaches of Maryland and Virginia during descent.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge
A clear view of the twin spans of the Sandy Point-Kent Island bridge if the flight path tracks slightly east.
DC Horizon
On clear days during a southern approach, the Washington Monument and Capitol dome may be visible in the distance.
The right side is best for seeing the British Virgin Islands immediately after takeoff. If you are on an early morning flight, be prepared for significant sun glare. On the final approach into IAD, this side often provides a better look at the suburban sprawl of Maryland and the Potomac River if the aircraft loops around from the north.
Distance: 2,589 km (1,609 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 27 min
Departure: STT (18.337299346923828, -64.97339630126953)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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