About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to London. The left side wins both the departure and arrival phases. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet over the North Atlantic, neither side has a significant advantage as views are largely ocean and cloud, but the left side occasionally offers glimpses of southern Greenland's ice sheet and the coastline of Ireland on descent. Left side is the clear overall choice.
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. Dulles typically departs eastbound on runway 01R/19L or 01C/19C. A left-side seat on an eastbound departure gives you views toward Washington DC, with the Capitol, National Mall, and Potomac River visible as the aircraft climbs and turns northeast. The urban grid of DC is clearly readable from altitude. Notable sights include: Washington DC National Mall and Capitol building, Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay (visible during climb-out to the east), Baltimore harbor in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow predominantly uses westerly runways (09L/27R and 09R/27L), meaning aircraft typically approach from the east over London. On a left-side seat during approach from the east, you get a prolonged view over central London — the Thames, Tower Bridge, the City, and Canary Wharf are all clearly visible on the left side as the aircraft tracks westbound on final approach. Notable sights include: River Thames and its distinctive meanders through London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, The City of London and Tower Bridge area, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park near touchdown.
How long is the flight from Washington to London?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 7 to 8 hours.
What does the Washington to London flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Mid-Atlantic states, then out over Nova Scotia and Newfoundland before crossing the North Atlantic. Mid-flight features include the southern tip of Greenland's ice cap visible to the north, the broad expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean, and on descent, the west coast of Ireland (County Clare and Galway Bay), followed by Wales and the English Midlands before the Thames Valley approach into Heathrow.