Both sides score equally for the full flight, but the right side edges ahead during landing with views of the Connecticut River estuary and Long Island Sound, providing more distinctive water features than the left side's inland forest approach. The takeoff from IAD slightly favors the left, but the landing advantage tips the overall recommendation to the right.
Flown IAD to BDL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Windsor Locks is 325 miles (523 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Appalachian foothills of Virginia and West Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains (distant), Potomac River headwaters, transition from piedmont to New England terrain, Hudson River valley (far left), Connecticut River valley
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
LEFTLeft side captures the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area during departure, including the Potomac River and urban sprawl. Right side shows only flat Virginia piedmont with minimal landmarks.
Landing at BDL
RIGHTRight side offers views of Connecticut's coastal features and the Connecticut River valley during approach. Left side shows only inland Connecticut forest and suburban sprawl with no distinctive landmarks.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Bradley International (BDL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Windsor Locks. Both sides score equally for the full flight, but the right side edges ahead during landing with views of the Connecticut River estuary and Long Island Sound, providing more distinctive water features than the left side's inland forest approach. The takeoff from IAD slightly favors the left, but the landing advantage tips the overall recommendation to the right.
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. Left side captures the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area during departure, including the Potomac River and urban sprawl. Right side shows only flat Virginia piedmont with minimal landmarks. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington D.C. skyline, Arlington/Northern Virginia suburbs, Shenandoah Valley foothills (distant).
What can I see when landing at Bradley International in Windsor Locks?
When landing at Bradley International (BDL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Connecticut's coastal features and the Connecticut River valley during approach. Left side shows only inland Connecticut forest and suburban sprawl with no distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Connecticut River estuary, Long Island Sound coastline, Hartford metropolitan area, coastal marshlands near Windsor Locks.
How long is the flight from Washington to Windsor Locks?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Bradley International (BDL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 325 miles (523 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Windsor Locks flight path pass over?
Appalachian foothills of Virginia and West Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains (distant), Potomac River headwaters, transition from piedmont to New England terrain, Hudson River valley (far left), Connecticut River valley