The right side wins both key phases: a more textured departure over Virginia's terrain and, more importantly, the dramatic Hong Kong Island skyline and harbor view on arrival, which anchors the flight's most memorable scenery.
Flown IAD to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Hong Kong is 8,141 miles (13,102 km), a flight of about 15 hours 30 minutes.
Hudson Bay coastline, northern Canadian tundra, Alaska Range peaks, Bering Strait, Siberian mountains, Mongolian steppe and Gobi Desert edges before descending toward the Pearl River Delta
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDeparting IAD northbound, the right side offers views over the Piedmont hills and the Potomac River valley toward the Appalachian foothills as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its polar-bound heading. The left side mostly shows flat Virginia suburbs and farmland with less definition.
Landing at HKG
RIGHTOn the northeast-flow approach into HKG (common in winter monsoon months), the aircraft descends past Lantau Island and turns toward runway 07, putting Hong Kong Island's skyline and Victoria Harbour on the right side. The left side instead faces the flatter Pearl River Delta and Shenzhen skyline, less dramatic than the harbor view.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
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 Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Hong Kong. The right side wins both key phases: a more textured departure over Virginia's terrain and, more importantly, the dramatic Hong Kong Island skyline and harbor view on arrival, which anchors the flight's most memorable scenery.
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 northbound, the right side offers views over the Piedmont hills and the Potomac River valley toward the Appalachian foothills as the aircraft climbs and turns onto its polar-bound heading. The left side mostly shows flat Virginia suburbs and farmland with less definition. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Blue Ridge foothills, Dulles Airport perimeter, Piedmont farmland.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the northeast-flow approach into HKG (common in winter monsoon months), the aircraft descends past Lantau Island and turns toward runway 07, putting Hong Kong Island's skyline and Victoria Harbour on the right side. The left side instead faces the flatter Pearl River Delta and Shenzhen skyline, less dramatic than the harbor view. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Lantau Island peaks, South China Sea islands.
How long is the flight from Washington to Hong Kong?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 15 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,141 miles (13,102 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay coastline, northern Canadian tundra, Alaska Range peaks, Bering Strait, Siberian mountains, Mongolian steppe and Gobi Desert edges before descending toward the Pearl River Delta