Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Addis Ababa. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Washington DC departure view, which is one of the most iconic urban aerial views in the world. The landing advantage on the right is real but more modest — the Entoto Hills and Addis Ababa cityscape are compelling but less dramatic than the DC monuments and Potomac River on departure.

During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically departs eastward on runway 01R/19L or westward on 30, but the most common departure toward Africa is a southeast turn after takeoff heading east. A left-side seat captures the Washington DC skyline, the Potomac River, and the National Mall monuments as the aircraft banks south. The right side faces suburban Virginia with little of note. Notable sights include: Washington DC Mall and monuments, Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay (visible during climb), Blue Ridge Mountains to the west on clear days.

When landing at Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bole International typically lands on runway 07R, approaching from the west over the Ethiopian Highlands. A right-side seat on approach gives a clear view of Addis Ababa's city center spreading across the plateau, with the Entoto Hills rising sharply to the north of the city. The left side faces open highland terrain with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Entoto Hills and eucalyptus forests north of Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa city center and Meskel Square area, Ethiopian Highlands plateau terrain, Mount Zuqualla visible to the south on clear days.

The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Bole International (ADD) takes Approximately 14 to 15 hours nonstop (Ethiopian Airlines operates this route direct).

After departing the US East Coast, the route crosses the Atlantic Ocean toward the Canary Islands and northwest Africa. The flight passes over the Sahara Desert — vast, visually striking sand seas and ergs visible in daylight, particularly the Libyan and Sudanese sections. The Nile River valley is often visible as a thin green ribbon cutting through the desert in Sudan. The Ethiopian Highlands rise dramatically as the aircraft descends toward Addis Ababa, with the Blue Nile gorge system visible in the highlands west of the city.