Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Rochester. The right side wins overall because the departure from Dulles offers the most dramatic and recognizable scenery of the flight — the Potomac River and Washington D.C. monument corridor. The landing view from the left is excellent for Lake Ontario, but the D.C. departure is the standout moment on this short route.

During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Dulles typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or northeast on runway 12/30. A right-side seat during an eastward or northeastward departure gives you views toward Washington D.C. proper, including the Potomac River corridor and the Capitol area as the aircraft banks north. The left side faces away toward the Virginia suburbs with less to see. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington D.C. skyline and monuments (Capitol, Washington Monument visible at distance), Dulles Access Road corridor, Fairfax County suburban grid.

When landing at Greater Rochester International (ROC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Rochester typically lands on runway 28 (westward approach from the east) or runway 10. On a standard approach from the south or east, the left side gives you a clear view of Lake Ontario's southern shoreline and the city of Rochester spread along the Genesee River valley. The right side faces south toward open farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario southern shoreline, Genesee River corridor through Rochester, Rochester city grid and downtown, Irondequoit Bay.

The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Greater Rochester International (ROC) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight tracks northeast over central Pennsylvania, crossing the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg, then over the rolling ridges of the Endless Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania. As the route enters New York State it crosses the Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes region becomes visible to the west before descending toward Rochester and Lake Ontario.