Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Palm Springs. The left side wins overall because the San Jacinto Mountains on approach to PSP are among the most dramatic aerial views in the continental US — a near-vertical 10,000-foot escarpment rising from desert floor. The takeoff views from Dulles are pleasant but relatively modest by comparison. Left side also picks up the Mojave Desert terrain and Colorado River crossing during cruise.

During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Dulles typically departs westbound on runway 19R/01L or uses runways oriented northwest. A right-side seat during the westward climb-out gives you a clear look south toward the Potomac River valley and the Virginia piedmont rolling away. You'll catch the Blue Ridge Mountains appearing on the horizon as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Potomac River valley, Blue Ridge Mountains (Virginia), Shenandoah Valley, Dulles Access Road corridor.

When landing at Palm Springs International (PSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Palm Springs sits in the Coachella Valley with the San Jacinto Mountains rising dramatically to the southwest. Aircraft typically approach PSP from the west or northwest, landing eastbound on runway 31L/13R. A left-side seat gives you the full view of the San Jacinto massif and the stark Coachella Valley floor as you descend. Notable sights include: San Jacinto Mountains (Mount San Jacinto at 10,834 ft), Coachella Valley floor, Salton Sea (visible to the southeast), Palm Springs urban grid.

The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Palm Springs International (PSP) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.

The route crosses the Appalachian ridges briefly after departure, then tracks over the Tennessee and Arkansas lowlands, crosses the Texas panhandle and New Mexico high plains, traverses the Sandia and Jemez mountain ranges near Albuquerque, crosses the Colorado River near Needles California, and descends over the Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Mountains before dropping into the Coachella Valley.