The left side edges out overall because the Washington DC departure view is more consistently dramatic and recognizable, while the right side's coastal Ghana view, though scenic, is brief and only occurs in the final minutes before landing.
Flown IAD to ACC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Accra is 5,293 miles (8,518 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Open Atlantic Ocean for most of the crossing, with the flight path passing well south of the Azores and eventually approaching the West African coast near Senegal and Guinea before turning toward Ghana.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
LEFTDeparting IAD to the south before curving onto an easterly heading, passengers on the left get a good look at the Potomac River, the National Mall's monuments, and the Chesapeake Bay before the route heads out over open ocean.
Landing at ACC
RIGHTOn approach into Kotoka, the aircraft descends from the northeast over Ghana's coastal plain, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Gulf of Guinea coastline, lagoons, and the sprawling grid of Accra before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Kotoka International (ACC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Accra. The left side edges out overall because the Washington DC departure view is more consistently dramatic and recognizable, while the right side's coastal Ghana view, though scenic, is brief and only occurs in the final minutes before landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IAD to the south before curving onto an easterly heading, passengers on the left get a good look at the Potomac River, the National Mall's monuments, and the Chesapeake Bay before the route heads out over open ocean. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC monuments/National Mall, Chesapeake Bay shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Kotoka International in Accra?
When landing at Kotoka International (ACC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Kotoka, the aircraft descends from the northeast over Ghana's coastal plain, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Gulf of Guinea coastline, lagoons, and the sprawling grid of Accra before touchdown. Notable sights include: Gulf of Guinea coastline, Accra cityscape, coastal lagoons, Volta River delta in the distance.
How long is the flight from Washington to Accra?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Kotoka International (ACC) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,293 miles (8,518 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Accra flight path pass over?
Open Atlantic Ocean for most of the crossing, with the flight path passing well south of the Azores and eventually approaching the West African coast near Senegal and Guinea before turning toward Ghana.