The right side delivers the more dramatic single moment of the flight — the Andes escarpment on departure from Bogota is genuinely spectacular and unique. The left side at Dulles is good but the DC monuments are distant and the Virginia suburbs are unremarkable. Right side also picks up Caribbean coastline views over Colombia and Venezuela during cruise.
Flown BOG to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bogota to Washington is 2,375 miles (3,822 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
After leaving the Andes, the route crosses the Colombian Llanos (vast flat savanna), then the Venezuelan coast and Caribbean Sea. Over the Caribbean, the islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire may be visible on clear days. The route then crosses Hispaniola and Cuba, where the mountainous spine of the Sierra Maestra and the Cuban coastline are visible. Over the Florida Straits and up the US East Coast, the Appalachian ridgelines become visible before descent into the DC area.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOG
RIGHTBogota's primary departure runway 13R sends aircraft heading southeast before turning north, putting the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes on the right side. You get a direct view of the steep escarpment rising above the Sabana de Bogota, including the distinctive silhouette of Monserrate and Guadalupe peaks directly above the city.
Landing at IAD
LEFTDulles typically receives northbound traffic from the south on approaches to runway 01L/01R or from the west on runway 19L, meaning the final approach often tracks over the Virginia suburbs. Left side seats get a clear view of the Potomac River, the Washington DC monuments, and the National Mall as the aircraft descends over Northern Virginia.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Eldorado International (BOG) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bogota to Washington. The right side delivers the more dramatic single moment of the flight — the Andes escarpment on departure from Bogota is genuinely spectacular and unique. The left side at Dulles is good but the DC monuments are distant and the Virginia suburbs are unremarkable. Right side also picks up Caribbean coastline views over Colombia and Venezuela during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Eldorado International in Bogota?
During takeoff from Eldorado International (BOG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bogota's primary departure runway 13R sends aircraft heading southeast before turning north, putting the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes on the right side. You get a direct view of the steep escarpment rising above the Sabana de Bogota, including the distinctive silhouette of Monserrate and Guadalupe peaks directly above the city. Notable sights include: Monserrate and Guadalupe peaks above Bogota, Eastern Cordillera escarpment, Sabana de Bogota plateau, Torca wetlands to the north.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically receives northbound traffic from the south on approaches to runway 01L/01R or from the west on runway 19L, meaning the final approach often tracks over the Virginia suburbs. Left side seats get a clear view of the Potomac River, the Washington DC monuments, and the National Mall as the aircraft descends over Northern Virginia. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC National Mall and monuments, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Blue Ridge Mountains on the western horizon.
How long is the flight from Bogota to Washington?
The flight from Eldorado International (BOG) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,375 miles (3,822 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bogota to Washington flight path pass over?
After leaving the Andes, the route crosses the Colombian Llanos (vast flat savanna), then the Venezuelan coast and Caribbean Sea. Over the Caribbean, the islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire may be visible on clear days. The route then crosses Hispaniola and Cuba, where the mountainous spine of the Sierra Maestra and the Cuban coastline are visible. Over the Florida Straits and up the US East Coast, the Appalachian ridgelines become visible before descent into the DC area.