About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Salt Lake City. While the left side has a good departure view of the Blue Ridge and Potomac, the right side wins overall. Across the Rockies, the right side faces south and picks up the Colorado Rockies and Uinta Mountains in Utah, and the dramatic Great Salt Lake arrival on the right is one of the most visually striking approaches in the continental US.
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 westbound on runway 19R/01L or uses runways oriented northeast-southwest. On a westbound departure climbing out, the left side faces south and picks up the Potomac River, the DC skyline to the east, and the Blue Ridge Mountains ahead. The right side looks north toward suburban Maryland with little of note. Notable sights include: Potomac River corridor, Blue Ridge Mountains (western horizon), Shenandoah Valley, Dulles Access Road and suburban Loudoun County below.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Right side for the best views. SLC typically lands on runways 16L/R from the north, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north heading south. The right side faces west and gives a direct view of the Great Salt Lake's vast shallow expanse and the Bonneville Salt Flats beyond. The left side looks east toward the Wasatch Front but is partially blocked by the fuselage angle on approach. Notable sights include: Great Salt Lake, Bonneville Salt Flats, Antelope Island, Wasatch Range (left/east side).
How long is the flight from Washington to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Washington to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Appalachians over West Virginia, then the flat Ohio and Indiana farmland, before crossing the Mississippi River near St. Louis. West of Kansas City the terrain rises gradually across the Great Plains. The Rocky Mountains appear over Colorado with the Front Range visible, then the flight crosses southern Wyoming's high desert plateau and the Uinta Mountains before descending into the Salt Lake Valley.