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SVO → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is the clear winner for this transpolar-adjacent route, offering unparalleled views of the Greenland Ice Sheet and the rugged Canadian Shield, whereas the left side faces the open Atlantic for several hours.
Scandinavian Mountains
The snow-capped peaks and deep fjords of Norway are often visible during the first few hours of flight.
Greenland Glaciers
Spectacular aerial views of the world's second-largest ice body, including massive outlet glaciers and icebergs.
Labrador Coast
The wild, untouched terrain of Northern Canada, featuring thousands of lakes and rugged granite outcrops.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Scenic views of the Appalachian range in Virginia as the aircraft descends into the Dulles area.
The Right Side is essential for daylight crossings. The highlight—Greenland—typically appears 4 to 5 hours into the flight. Use a flight tracking app to check if the route goes north enough for Aurora Borealis views during winter months.
Gulf of Finland
Beautiful views of the Baltic coastline and the Estonian archipelago shortly after takeoff from SVO.
East Coast Cities
Passes by the lights or coastal outlines of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia during the final leg.
D.C. Approach
A chance to see the Potomac River and the distant Washington D.C. skyline if the plane approaches from the north.
Sit on the left for night flights to enjoy the glittering lights of the U.S. East Coast. This side also avoids the direct glare of the sun during westbound afternoon flights.
Distance: 7,812 km (4,854 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 11 min
Departure: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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