The right side wins because it captures the most dramatic parts of both the departure (Chesapeake Bay and the U.S. East Coast megalopolis) and the arrival (the Öresund Bridge and Copenhagen skyline), while the left side is dominated by featureless inland terrain at takeoff and open ocean during cruise.
Flown IAD to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Copenhagen is 4,063 miles (6,539 km), a flight of about 7 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses Atlantic Canada near Newfoundland, then heads out over the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's ice-capped coastline before continuing over the Norwegian Sea toward southern Norway and into Danish airspace.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDeparting IAD, the climb-out and turn toward the northeast puts the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River mouth, and eventually the New York City / Long Island coastline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the rolling, tree-covered Piedmont of Maryland and Pennsylvania with no major landmarks.
Landing at CPH
RIGHTOn approach to CPH from the northeast, the descent path crosses the Öresund Strait, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Öresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden, along with Copenhagen's harbor and skyline just north of the airport. The left side during final approach mostly faces open water and the flatter Amager farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Copenhagen. The right side wins because it captures the most dramatic parts of both the departure (Chesapeake Bay and the U.S. East Coast megalopolis) and the arrival (the Öresund Bridge and Copenhagen skyline), while the left side is dominated by featureless inland terrain at takeoff and open ocean during cruise.
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, the climb-out and turn toward the northeast puts the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River mouth, and eventually the New York City / Long Island coastline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the rolling, tree-covered Piedmont of Maryland and Pennsylvania with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River estuary, New York City skyline and Long Island, Atlantic coastline near Cape Cod.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to CPH from the northeast, the descent path crosses the Öresund Strait, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Öresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden, along with Copenhagen's harbor and skyline just north of the airport. The left side during final approach mostly faces open water and the flatter Amager farmland. Notable sights include: Öresund Bridge, Copenhagen harbor and skyline, Amager island, Zealand coastline.
How long is the flight from Washington to Copenhagen?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 7 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,063 miles (6,539 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
The route crosses Atlantic Canada near Newfoundland, then heads out over the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's ice-capped coastline before continuing over the Norwegian Sea toward southern Norway and into Danish airspace.