The left side delivers the better views at both ends of the flight — the Congaree River confluence and Columbia on departure, and the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley on approach into Dulles. During the cruise portion heading northeast, the left side also tracks closer to the Appalachian ridges of North Carolina and Virginia.
Flown CAE to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Colombia to Washington is 401 miles (646 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over the South Carolina Piedmont, crossing into North Carolina near Charlotte, then over the Virginia Piedmont. The Blue Ridge Parkway corridor and the parallel Appalachian ridges of the Virginia Blue Ridge are visible to the left (northwest) during cruise. The Roanoke Valley and Smith Mountain Lake in central Virginia may be visible below depending on routing. The James River watershed crosses the flight path in central Virginia.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAE
LEFTCAE's primary departure runway 11 sends the aircraft northeast, putting the left (north) side over the Congaree River floodplain and downtown Columbia. The State House dome and the broad Congaree River confluence are clearly visible on the left during initial climb.
Landing at IAD
LEFTIAD typically lands on runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind. On the common northbound approach to runway 01, the left side faces west and northwest, giving clear views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon and the Shenandoah Valley. The right side on this approach looks toward suburban Northern Virginia sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombia to Washington. The left side delivers the better views at both ends of the flight — the Congaree River confluence and Columbia on departure, and the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley on approach into Dulles. During the cruise portion heading northeast, the left side also tracks closer to the Appalachian ridges of North Carolina and Virginia.
What can I see during takeoff from Columbia Metropolitan in Colombia?
During takeoff from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), sit on the Left side for the best views. CAE's primary departure runway 11 sends the aircraft northeast, putting the left (north) side over the Congaree River floodplain and downtown Columbia. The State House dome and the broad Congaree River confluence are clearly visible on the left during initial climb. Notable sights include: Congaree River and Broad River confluence, downtown Columbia skyline, Lake Murray reservoir to the northwest, Fort Jackson training grounds.
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. IAD typically lands on runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind. On the common northbound approach to runway 01, the left side faces west and northwest, giving clear views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon and the Shenandoah Valley. The right side on this approach looks toward suburban Northern Virginia sprawl. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, Dulles Toll Road corridor below, Potomac River visible to the northeast, Loudoun County horse country farmland.
How long is the flight from Colombia to Washington?
The flight from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 401 miles (646 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Colombia to Washington flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the South Carolina Piedmont, crossing into North Carolina near Charlotte, then over the Virginia Piedmont. The Blue Ridge Parkway corridor and the parallel Appalachian ridges of the Virginia Blue Ridge are visible to the left (northwest) during cruise. The Roanoke Valley and Smith Mountain Lake in central Virginia may be visible below depending on routing. The James River watershed crosses the flight path in central Virginia.