Right-side seats capture the superior scenery on both legs: DC landmarks during departure and the Atlantic crossing, then Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples during approach. The left side offers only mid-Atlantic ocean for most of the flight.
Flown IAD to NAP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Naples is 4,617 miles (7,431 km), a flight of about 9 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic roughly along 40°N latitude. Notable features include: the New England coast and Nova Scotia during initial climb (if visible on departure); the Grand Banks fishing grounds and North Atlantic shipping lanes; the Irish coast near County Cork or County Waterford on approach to Europe; the Celtic Sea; the Bay of Biscay; and the Iberian Peninsula's northern coast. The Mediterranean crossing brings views of southern France, Corsica, Sardinia, and the Italian mainland before Naples descent. Sunrise or sunset typically occurs over the Atlantic depending on season and departure time.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Potomac River and Washington DC landmarks during the initial climb. Dulles typically departs runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R; northbound departures on 01 series give the best angle toward the city.
Landing at NAP
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples during descent. Naples approaches typically use runways 06 or 24; descent paths from the north give left-side passengers the dramatic volcanic landscape and coastal geometry.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Capodichino (NAP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Naples. Right-side seats capture the superior scenery on both legs: DC landmarks during departure and the Atlantic crossing, then Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples during approach. The left side offers only mid-Atlantic ocean for most of the flight.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Potomac River and Washington DC landmarks during the initial climb. Dulles typically departs runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R; northbound departures on 01 series give the best angle toward the city. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument and Capitol Building (visible as distant white structures), Arlington National Cemetery, Shenandoah Valley ridgeline to the west.
What can I see when landing at Capodichino in Naples?
When landing at Capodichino (NAP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples during descent. Naples approaches typically use runways 06 or 24; descent paths from the north give left-side passengers the dramatic volcanic landscape and coastal geometry. Notable sights include: Mount Vesuvius (distinctive cone), Bay of Naples with Capri island visible offshore, Sorrentine Peninsula, Campania coastline.
How long is the flight from Washington to Naples?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Capodichino (NAP) takes about 9 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,617 miles (7,431 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Naples flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic roughly along 40°N latitude. Notable features include: the New England coast and Nova Scotia during initial climb (if visible on departure); the Grand Banks fishing grounds and North Atlantic shipping lanes; the Irish coast near County Cork or County Waterford on approach to Europe; the Celtic Sea; the Bay of Biscay; and the Iberian Peninsula's northern coast. The Mediterranean crossing brings views of southern France, Corsica, Sardinia, and the Italian mainland before Naples descent. Sunrise or sunset typically occurs over the Atlantic depending on season and departure time.