About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Seoul Ab (SSN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Seoul East. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the polar routing over Canada and the North Pacific, the left side also tends to face south toward more populated and geographically interesting terrain including the Canadian Rockies and Alaskan coastline depending on exact routing.
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 12/30. A left-side seat on an eastbound departure gives you a clear view south toward Washington DC, the Potomac River, and the Capitol/Mall area as the aircraft climbs and turns. The right side faces north into suburban Virginia with little of note. Notable sights include: Washington DC Mall and monuments, Potomac River, Reagan National Airport, Chesapeake Bay visible in the distance during climb.
What can I see when landing at Seoul Ab in Seoul East?
When landing at Seoul Ab (SSN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Seoul Ab (K-16) is a military airfield on Seoul's eastern edge. Aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast, meaning a left-side seat faces north toward central Seoul, the Han River, and the city's dense urban core. The right side looks south toward less distinctive suburban and industrial areas. Notable sights include: Han River and its bridges through central Seoul, Namsan mountain and N Seoul Tower, dense urban grid of central Seoul districts, Bukhansan mountain ridgeline to the north.
How long is the flight from Washington to Seoul East?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Seoul Ab (SSN) takes Approximately 14 to 15 hours.
What does the Washington to Seoul East flight path pass over?
The great circle route from IAD to SSN tracks northwest over Pennsylvania and the Great Lakes, then across southern Canada over Ontario and Manitoba, over the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia, across the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Island chain, then southwest across the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan before descending into the Seoul area. Notable features include the Canadian Rockies visible as a dramatic mountain spine, the Alaskan coastline and Kenai Peninsula, and the volcanic peaks of the Aleutian Islands if routing passes near them.