The right side wins primarily on the strength of the dramatic Rocky Mountain departure view from DEN, which outweighs the milder Richmond river approach on the left; the cruise phase over the Great Plains and Appalachian ridgelines offers little differentiation between sides.
Flown DEN to RIC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Richmond is 1,478 miles (2,379 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Great Plains of Kansas and Missouri, then the forested ridgelines of the Appalachian Mountains across Kentucky and West Virginia before descending into the Virginia Piedmont
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDeparting DEN eastbound, the aircraft's initial climb and turn give right-side passengers a clear view of the Front Range foothills and the Rocky Mountains rising abruptly from the plains, including peaks near Pikes Peak to the south. Left-side passengers mostly see the flat eastern Colorado plains.
Landing at RIC
LEFTOn approach into RIC from the west, the flight path crosses the gently rolling Piedmont before the final turn toward Richmond, and left-side passengers get a good look at the James River winding through the city just before touchdown. Right-side views are mostly suburban terrain with fewer distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Richmond International (RIC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Richmond. The right side wins primarily on the strength of the dramatic Rocky Mountain departure view from DEN, which outweighs the milder Richmond river approach on the left; the cruise phase over the Great Plains and Appalachian ridgelines offers little differentiation between sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DEN eastbound, the aircraft's initial climb and turn give right-side passengers a clear view of the Front Range foothills and the Rocky Mountains rising abruptly from the plains, including peaks near Pikes Peak to the south. Left-side passengers mostly see the flat eastern Colorado plains. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Rocky Mountains skyline, Pikes Peak area, South Platte River valley.
What can I see when landing at Richmond International in Richmond?
When landing at Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into RIC from the west, the flight path crosses the gently rolling Piedmont before the final turn toward Richmond, and left-side passengers get a good look at the James River winding through the city just before touchdown. Right-side views are mostly suburban terrain with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: James River bends near downtown Richmond, Richmond skyline, Piedmont farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Denver to Richmond?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Richmond International (RIC) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,478 miles (2,379 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Richmond flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Kansas and Missouri, then the forested ridgelines of the Appalachian Mountains across Kentucky and West Virginia before descending into the Virginia Piedmont