The left side misses the best of the Dulles departure but wins decisively on landing with the Susquehanna River crossing and the Three Mile Island landmark. On this short flight the approach view is the highlight, and the left seat delivers it clearly.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the South Mountain ridge (a spur of the Blue Ridge) in southern Pennsylvania, passes over the Cumberland Valley agricultural lowlands around Chambersburg and Carlisle, and then descends toward the Susquehanna River valley. The ridge-and-valley topography of central Pennsylvania is visible throughout cruise, with parallel forested ridges running northeast-southwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Harrisburg International (MDT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Harrisburg. The left side misses the best of the Dulles departure but wins decisively on landing with the Susquehanna River crossing and the Three Mile Island landmark. On this short flight the approach view is the highlight, and the left seat delivers it clearly.
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. IAD typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or northeast on runway 12/30. A right-side seat during an eastbound or northeastbound departure gives you a view back toward the Dulles corridor and the Potomac River valley as the aircraft climbs. You'll also catch the suburban sprawl of Fairfax County giving way to the Blue Ridge foothills. Notable sights include: Dulles Access Road corridor below, Fairfax County suburban grid, distant Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, Potomac River valley to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Harrisburg International in Harrisburg?
When landing at Harrisburg International (MDT), sit on the Left side for the best views. MDT's primary arrival runway is 13, meaning aircraft approach from the northwest heading southeast. A left-side seat on approach gives you a direct view of the Susquehanna River as you descend over it, which is the most visually striking feature of this arrival. The river is wide and clearly defined here as it cuts through the ridge-and-valley terrain. Notable sights include: Susquehanna River crossing, Blue Mountain ridge to the north, Harrisburg city grid to the southwest, Three Mile Island site on the Susquehanna.
How long is the flight from Washington to Harrisburg?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Harrisburg International (MDT) takes Approximately 30-40 minutes.
What does the Washington to Harrisburg flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the South Mountain ridge (a spur of the Blue Ridge) in southern Pennsylvania, passes over the Cumberland Valley agricultural lowlands around Chambersburg and Carlisle, and then descends toward the Susquehanna River valley. The ridge-and-valley topography of central Pennsylvania is visible throughout cruise, with parallel forested ridges running northeast-southwest.