About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Portland International Jetport (PWM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Portland. The right side captures the best of both ends of the flight: during cruise the right side faces south toward Long Island Sound and the Connecticut coast, and on arrival into Portland it delivers the definitive view of Casco Bay and the harbor. The coastal scenery on descent into PWM on the right is the single most visually rewarding moment of this route.
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 east on runway 01R/19L or northeast on runway 12/30. A northeast departure puts the left side facing northwest toward the Potomac River and the DC skyline in the distance. You get a clear look at the broader Potomac corridor and the suburban sprawl giving way to the Appalachian foothills to the northwest. Notable sights include: Potomac River corridor, Washington DC skyline (Capitol dome, Washington Monument visible on clear days), Dulles Access Road corridor, Blue Ridge foothills to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Portland International Jetport in Portland?
When landing at Portland International Jetport (PWM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Portland Jetport typically lands on runway 29 (heading west) or runway 11 (heading east). On a runway 11 approach from the west, the right side faces north toward Casco Bay and the Portland peninsula. You get a direct view of the harbor, the islands of Casco Bay, and the compact downtown Portland waterfront as you descend. Notable sights include: Casco Bay and its islands (Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island), Portland peninsula and Old Port waterfront, Fore River, Back Cove.
How long is the flight from Washington to Portland?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Portland International Jetport (PWM) takes Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes.
What does the Washington to Portland flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the mid-Atlantic and New England interior, crossing the Hudson River Valley in New York state, then over the Connecticut River Valley, the hills of central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, before descending toward the Maine coast. The Connecticut shoreline and Long Island Sound are visible to the right (south) during the middle portion of the flight. The Pioneer Valley and the Connecticut River are a notable geographic feature in the middle distance on clear days.