The left side wins both the departure, with Table Mountain and Cape Town's skyline, and the arrival, with the Potomac and Virginia terrain, while the right side is dominated by many hours of featureless Atlantic Ocean.
Flown CPT to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cape Town to Washington is 7,931 miles (12,764 km), a flight of about 16 hours 55 minutes.
Namibian and Angolan coastline (Skeleton Coast, Namib Desert dunes) shortly after departure, followed by roughly 12-13 hours over the open South and North Atlantic before the North American coast comes into view near landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPT
LEFTDeparting north on runway 01, the city of Cape Town and the flat-topped bulk of Table Mountain fall away on the left side, along with the curve of Table Bay and the Atlantic seaboard suburbs. The right side shows only the open ocean horizon.
Landing at IAD
LEFTOn a typical approach into IAD from the east or south, the left side offers views over the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River basin, with the wooded Piedmont terrain of northern Virginia visible in the final descent. The right side mostly shows featureless suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cape Town International (CPT) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cape Town to Washington. The left side wins both the departure, with Table Mountain and Cape Town's skyline, and the arrival, with the Potomac and Virginia terrain, while the right side is dominated by many hours of featureless Atlantic Ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Cape Town International in Cape Town?
During takeoff from Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing north on runway 01, the city of Cape Town and the flat-topped bulk of Table Mountain fall away on the left side, along with the curve of Table Bay and the Atlantic seaboard suburbs. The right side shows only the open ocean horizon. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Table Bay, Cape Town city bowl, Atlantic seaboard coastline.
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. On a typical approach into IAD from the east or south, the left side offers views over the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River basin, with the wooded Piedmont terrain of northern Virginia visible in the final descent. The right side mostly shows featureless suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Blue Ridge foothills, Northern Virginia farmland.
How long is the flight from Cape Town to Washington?
The flight from Cape Town International (CPT) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 16 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,931 miles (12,764 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cape Town to Washington flight path pass over?
Namibian and Angolan coastline (Skeleton Coast, Namib Desert dunes) shortly after departure, followed by roughly 12-13 hours over the open South and North Atlantic before the North American coast comes into view near landing.