The left side benefits from the northern great-circle routing across the Atlantic, which brings views of Newfoundland, the southern tip of Greenland's coastal glaciers, and Ireland's coastline, plus a scenic Athens approach with the Acropolis and Saronic Gulf. The right side is dominated by many hours of featureless open ocean.
Flown IAD to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Athens is 5,156 miles (8,298 km), a flight of about 10 hours 20 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean, southern Greenland coastal fringe, Icelandic and Irish coastlines near the flight path
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTClimbing out of IAD toward the northeast, the right side offers a brief but recognizable view of downtown Washington D.C., the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay before the aircraft turns out over open country. The left side mostly shows the wooded Blue Ridge foothills, which are pleasant but far less distinctive.
Landing at ATH
LEFTOn the typical southerly approach into Athens (runway 03L), the aircraft crosses the Saronic Gulf before turning north toward the airport, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Athens city, the Acropolis rock, and Piraeus harbor. The right side instead faces the barer slopes of Mount Hymettus and the eastern Attica coastline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Athens. The left side benefits from the northern great-circle routing across the Atlantic, which brings views of Newfoundland, the southern tip of Greenland's coastal glaciers, and Ireland's coastline, plus a scenic Athens approach with the Acropolis and Saronic Gulf. The right side is dominated by many hours of featureless open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of IAD toward the northeast, the right side offers a brief but recognizable view of downtown Washington D.C., the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay before the aircraft turns out over open country. The left side mostly shows the wooded Blue Ridge foothills, which are pleasant but far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Washington D.C. skyline, Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, National Mall area.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical southerly approach into Athens (runway 03L), the aircraft crosses the Saronic Gulf before turning north toward the airport, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Athens city, the Acropolis rock, and Piraeus harbor. The right side instead faces the barer slopes of Mount Hymettus and the eastern Attica coastline. Notable sights include: Acropolis and Athens city center, Piraeus harbor, Saronic Gulf islands (Aegina, Salamis), Mount Hymettus.
How long is the flight from Washington to Athens?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 10 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,156 miles (8,298 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Athens flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, southern Greenland coastal fringe, Icelandic and Irish coastlines near the flight path