The right side bookends the flight with two genuine skyline views - Washington DC on departure and Frankfurt with the Taunus hills on arrival - while the five-plus-hour North Atlantic crossing leaves little to differentiate either side during cruise.
Flown IAD to FRA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Frankfurt is 4,070 miles (6,550 km), a flight of about 7 hours 40 minutes.
The route crosses New England and Atlantic Canada near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, then spends several hours over the open North Atlantic south of Greenland before making landfall near Ireland's southwest coast and continuing over southern England and the Low Countries into Germany.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDeparting IAD on the northbound runways, the aircraft's turn toward the northeast corridor briefly exposes downtown Washington DC to the south. Passengers on the right can pick out the Potomac River bends, the National Mall, and the Capitol dome before the city falls behind.
Landing at FRA
RIGHTOn the westerly approach into Frankfurt, the descent path crosses the Rhine-Main plain with the city's compact skyscraper cluster and the forested Taunus hills visible to the north, on the right side of the cabin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Frankfurt. The right side bookends the flight with two genuine skyline views - Washington DC on departure and Frankfurt with the Taunus hills on arrival - while the five-plus-hour North Atlantic crossing leaves little to differentiate either side 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 on the northbound runways, the aircraft's turn toward the northeast corridor briefly exposes downtown Washington DC to the south. Passengers on the right can pick out the Potomac River bends, the National Mall, and the Capitol dome before the city falls behind. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol dome, National Mall.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the westerly approach into Frankfurt, the descent path crosses the Rhine-Main plain with the city's compact skyscraper cluster and the forested Taunus hills visible to the north, on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Frankfurt skyline (Commerzbank Tower, Messeturm), Taunus hills, Main River, Rhine-Main farmland mosaic.
How long is the flight from Washington to Frankfurt?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes about 7 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,070 miles (6,550 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
The route crosses New England and Atlantic Canada near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, then spends several hours over the open North Atlantic south of Greenland before making landfall near Ireland's southwest coast and continuing over southern England and the Low Countries into Germany.