The right side offers the strongest landmark moments on both ends of the flight — Washington DC and possibly New York City at departure, and a distant Paris skyline near arrival — while the long mid-ocean cruise phase is scenically similar on both sides.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks, with no landmasses visible near the midpoint of the route
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDeparting IAD eastbound, the aircraft typically climbs out and banks toward the northeast, putting Washington DC's monumental core and the Potomac River on the right side of the cabin. Shortly after, passengers on the right often catch New York City's skyline and Long Island's south shore before heading out over open water.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTOn the common westerly approach into CDG, aircraft descend from the west over Normandy and Picardy before curving toward the airport northeast of Paris. Passengers on the right side get a distant but recognizable view of the Paris skyline, including La Défense's towers and the Eiffel Tower, along with the Seine winding through the countryside.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Paris. The right side offers the strongest landmark moments on both ends of the flight — Washington DC and possibly New York City at departure, and a distant Paris skyline near arrival — while the long mid-ocean cruise phase is scenically similar on both sides.
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. Departing IAD eastbound, the aircraft typically climbs out and banks toward the northeast, putting Washington DC's monumental core and the Potomac River on the right side of the cabin. Shortly after, passengers on the right often catch New York City's skyline and Long Island's south shore before heading out over open water. Notable sights include: Washington DC monuments and Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, New York City skyline, Long Island south shore.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common westerly approach into CDG, aircraft descend from the west over Normandy and Picardy before curving toward the airport northeast of Paris. Passengers on the right side get a distant but recognizable view of the Paris skyline, including La Défense's towers and the Eiffel Tower, along with the Seine winding through the countryside. Notable sights include: Paris skyline with Eiffel Tower and La Défense towers, Seine River, Normandy/Picardy farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Washington to Paris?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes 7h 20m.
What does the Washington to Paris flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks, with no landmasses visible near the midpoint of the route