Left side wins both the departure over DC and the Potomac, and the dramatic low approach over Maho Beach and Simpson Bay Lagoon at SXM. During the cruise over the Atlantic and Caribbean, both sides see open ocean, so the decisive views are at each end.
Flown IAD to SXM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Philipsburg is 1,682 miles (2,706 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
After crossing the Virginia and Carolina coastlines, the flight tracks southeast over the open Atlantic. Around the midpoint you pass east of the Bahamas archipelago, which may be faintly visible as scattered pale-green shallow-water patches on a clear day. The flight then crosses the northeastern Caribbean, passing north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands before descending toward Sint Maarten.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
LEFTIAD typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or runway 01C, meaning a left-side seat faces north and then east over the DC metro area. You get a clear view of the Potomac River, the Washington Monument and Capitol dome, and the dense urban grid of DC as the aircraft banks southeast toward the Atlantic.
Landing at SXM
LEFTPrincess Juliana's runway 10 approach comes in from the west over the Caribbean, with aircraft descending low over Maho Beach on the Dutch side. A left-side seat gives you the view over Simpson Bay Lagoon, the island's interior hills, and the famous beach approach. The right side faces open ocean for most of the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Princess Juliana International (SXM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Philipsburg. Left side wins both the departure over DC and the Potomac, and the dramatic low approach over Maho Beach and Simpson Bay Lagoon at SXM. During the cruise over the Atlantic and Caribbean, both sides see open ocean, so the decisive views are at each end.
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. IAD typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or runway 01C, meaning a left-side seat faces north and then east over the DC metro area. You get a clear view of the Potomac River, the Washington Monument and Capitol dome, and the dense urban grid of DC as the aircraft banks southeast toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC Mall and monuments, Chesapeake Bay coastline, Virginia piedmont patchwork farmland.
What can I see when landing at Princess Juliana International in Philipsburg?
When landing at Princess Juliana International (SXM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Princess Juliana's runway 10 approach comes in from the west over the Caribbean, with aircraft descending low over Maho Beach on the Dutch side. A left-side seat gives you the view over Simpson Bay Lagoon, the island's interior hills, and the famous beach approach. The right side faces open ocean for most of the approach. Notable sights include: Simpson Bay Lagoon, Maho Beach, Sint Maarten's green central hills, the narrow strip of land between lagoon and sea.
How long is the flight from Washington to Philipsburg?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Princess Juliana International (SXM) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,682 miles (2,706 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Philipsburg flight path pass over?
After crossing the Virginia and Carolina coastlines, the flight tracks southeast over the open Atlantic. Around the midpoint you pass east of the Bahamas archipelago, which may be faintly visible as scattered pale-green shallow-water patches on a clear day. The flight then crosses the northeastern Caribbean, passing north of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands before descending toward Sint Maarten.