The left side wins overall because the cruise phase over the North Atlantic route offers dramatic views of Greenland's ice sheet and Canadian tundra, and the final descent into IAD passes over the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, giving more variety and terrain drama than the right side's mostly flat or oceanic views.
Flown DXB to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dubai to Washington is 7,056 miles (11,356 km), a flight of about 13 hours 35 minutes.
Zagros Mountains, Caspian Sea, Caucasus range, southern Greenland ice sheet, Davis Strait, Canadian Arctic tundra
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
RIGHTDeparting DXB on the NW-favored runway, the right side gives a brief but clear view of Dubai's coastline, including the Palm Jumeirah and the Gulf waters, before the aircraft turns inland. The left side mostly shows flat desert and low-rise development.
Landing at IAD
LEFTOn approach into IAD from the north/northwest, the left side offers views of the forested ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley before the final turn toward the airport. The right side mostly faces featureless Piedmont farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Washington. The left side wins overall because the cruise phase over the North Atlantic route offers dramatic views of Greenland's ice sheet and Canadian tundra, and the final descent into IAD passes over the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, giving more variety and terrain drama than the right side's mostly flat or oceanic views.
What can I see during takeoff from Dubai International in Dubai?
During takeoff from Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DXB on the NW-favored runway, the right side gives a brief but clear view of Dubai's coastline, including the Palm Jumeirah and the Gulf waters, before the aircraft turns inland. The left side mostly shows flat desert and low-rise development. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina skyline, Persian Gulf coastline, Burj Al Arab silhouette.
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 approach into IAD from the north/northwest, the left side offers views of the forested ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley before the final turn toward the airport. The right side mostly faces featureless Piedmont farmland. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, Potomac River bends, Northern Virginia farmland.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Washington?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 13 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,056 miles (11,356 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dubai to Washington flight path pass over?
Zagros Mountains, Caspian Sea, Caucasus range, southern Greenland ice sheet, Davis Strait, Canadian Arctic tundra