The right side bookends a long ocean crossing with the most scenic parts of the trip: the U.S. East Coast cities and bays on departure, and Reykjavik's dramatic mountain backdrop on arrival, while the left side offers only generic mountain ridges and open water for most of the flight.
Flown IAD to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Reykjavik is 2,815 miles (4,530 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
Extended crossing of the North Atlantic over the Labrador Sea, passing south of Greenland's Cape Farewell region before making landfall on Iceland's southern coast
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTClimbing out from Dulles on a northeast heading, the right side of the aircraft faces the Atlantic seaboard, giving passengers a good look at Washington D.C.'s monuments and the Potomac before the route tracks up the coast past New York and New England. The left side mostly shows repetitive Appalachian ridgelines with fewer distinct landmarks.
Landing at RKV
RIGHTOn final approach into Reykjavik's domestic airport from the southeast, the right side faces the city and Mount Esja rising sharply across Faxaflói Bay, a much more dramatic and identifiable feature than the flatter lava coastline visible from the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Reykjavik. The right side bookends a long ocean crossing with the most scenic parts of the trip: the U.S. East Coast cities and bays on departure, and Reykjavik's dramatic mountain backdrop on arrival, while the left side offers only generic mountain ridges and open water 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. Climbing out from Dulles on a northeast heading, the right side of the aircraft faces the Atlantic seaboard, giving passengers a good look at Washington D.C.'s monuments and the Potomac before the route tracks up the coast past New York and New England. The left side mostly shows repetitive Appalachian ridgelines with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Washington D.C. skyline and Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, New York City and Long Island Sound, Cape Cod/Boston coastline.
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into Reykjavik's domestic airport from the southeast, the right side faces the city and Mount Esja rising sharply across Faxaflói Bay, a much more dramatic and identifiable feature than the flatter lava coastline visible from the left. Notable sights include: Mount Esja, Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavik's compact colorful cityscape, geothermal steam near Mosfellsbær.
How long is the flight from Washington to Reykjavik?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,815 miles (4,530 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
Extended crossing of the North Atlantic over the Labrador Sea, passing south of Greenland's Cape Farewell region before making landfall on Iceland's southern coast