The left side wins narrowly thanks to the Chesapeake Bay glimpse on departure and the Orlando lakes and skyline on arrival, giving slightly more visual variety than the right side's flat, feature-poor terrain.
Flown IAD to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Orlando is 759 miles (1,222 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Flat coastal plain of North and South Carolina, scattered pine forests and farmland, with the Atlantic coastline occasionally visible far to the left near the Outer Banks region.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
LEFTDeparting IAD southbound, the left side offers a brief view over the Potomac River and the northern reaches of Chesapeake Bay before the route turns inland over Virginia's flat Piedmont. The right side shows only the distant, hazy ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains, too far to be a strong feature.
Landing at MCO
LEFTOn approach into MCO from the north, the left side gives passengers views of Orlando's many lakes and the city's skyline near Lake Eola before the final turn, while the right side mostly shows undeveloped flat scrubland and citrus groves with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Orlando. The left side wins narrowly thanks to the Chesapeake Bay glimpse on departure and the Orlando lakes and skyline on arrival, giving slightly more visual variety than the right side's flat, feature-poor terrain.
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. Departing IAD southbound, the left side offers a brief view over the Potomac River and the northern reaches of Chesapeake Bay before the route turns inland over Virginia's flat Piedmont. The right side shows only the distant, hazy ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains, too far to be a strong feature. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Piedmont farmland.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MCO from the north, the left side gives passengers views of Orlando's many lakes and the city's skyline near Lake Eola before the final turn, while the right side mostly shows undeveloped flat scrubland and citrus groves with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Eola and downtown Orlando, numerous central Florida lakes, orange grove patchwork.
How long is the flight from Washington to Orlando?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 759 miles (1,222 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Orlando flight path pass over?
Flat coastal plain of North and South Carolina, scattered pine forests and farmland, with the Atlantic coastline occasionally visible far to the left near the Outer Banks region.