While most of this flight crosses open North Atlantic water with little to see on either side, the right side gets the edge from glimpses of the North American coastline and cities (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the mid-Atlantic seaboard) as the route curves south toward Raleigh, plus the more varied Piedmont terrain on final approach.
Flown CDG to RDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Raleigh-Durham is 4,042 miles (6,506 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
Southern Ireland coastline, open North Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, Nova Scotia coastline near Halifax, Gulf of Maine
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTCDG's westerly departure typically has the aircraft climbing out on a heading that puts central Paris to the south, right off the left wing, before the route curves northwest toward the Atlantic. It's a brief but classic skyline moment before hours of open ocean.
Landing at RDU
RIGHTArrivals into RDU typically come from the northeast on a southwest approach to runway 23, so the right side faces the Piedmont landscape of reservoirs and forest rather than the featureless flat farmland on the left. Passengers may catch Falls Lake and the wooded Research Triangle area before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Raleigh-Durham. While most of this flight crosses open North Atlantic water with little to see on either side, the right side gets the edge from glimpses of the North American coastline and cities (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the mid-Atlantic seaboard) as the route curves south toward Raleigh, plus the more varied Piedmont terrain on final approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG's westerly departure typically has the aircraft climbing out on a heading that puts central Paris to the south, right off the left wing, before the route curves northwest toward the Atlantic. It's a brief but classic skyline moment before hours of open ocean. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, Seine River, Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre, La Défense business district skyline.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into RDU typically come from the northeast on a southwest approach to runway 23, so the right side faces the Piedmont landscape of reservoirs and forest rather than the featureless flat farmland on the left. Passengers may catch Falls Lake and the wooded Research Triangle area before touchdown. Notable sights include: Falls Lake, Piedmont forest and farmland mosaic, Research Triangle Park office clusters, distant Durham skyline.
How long is the flight from Paris to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,042 miles (6,506 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
Southern Ireland coastline, open North Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, Nova Scotia coastline near Halifax, Gulf of Maine