Both sides are dominated by roughly nineteen hours of open Pacific Ocean, capping their scores, but the right side edges ahead thanks to the Blue Ridge Mountains glimpse on departure and the genuinely spectacular Sydney Harbour approach on arrival, while the left side lacks comparable landmarks at either end.
Flown IAD to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Sydney is 9,744 miles (15,681 km), a flight of about 20 hours 10 minutes.
The cruise track crosses the central United States, then heads out over the vast open Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight with no significant landmarks until the Australian coastline comes into view near Sydney.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDeparting IAD toward the west, the right side offers a brief but clear view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley as the aircraft climbs out over northern Virginia before turning onto its long overwater track. The left side mostly shows flatter Piedmont terrain and suburban sprawl.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTOn arrival into Sydney under typical North Plan operations, the approach path tracks down the coast past the Northern Beaches and into the harbor area before turning onto final for the parallel runways, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the CBD skyline. The left side mainly overlooks ocean and southern suburbs with fewer distinct landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Sydney. Both sides are dominated by roughly nineteen hours of open Pacific Ocean, capping their scores, but the right side edges ahead thanks to the Blue Ridge Mountains glimpse on departure and the genuinely spectacular Sydney Harbour approach on arrival, while the left side lacks comparable landmarks at either end.
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. Departing IAD toward the west, the right side offers a brief but clear view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley as the aircraft climbs out over northern Virginia before turning onto its long overwater track. The left side mostly shows flatter Piedmont terrain and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, Potomac River, Northern Virginia suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On arrival into Sydney under typical North Plan operations, the approach path tracks down the coast past the Northern Beaches and into the harbor area before turning onto final for the parallel runways, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the CBD skyline. The left side mainly overlooks ocean and southern suburbs with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and CBD skyline, Botany Bay.
How long is the flight from Washington to Sydney?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 20 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,744 miles (15,681 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Sydney flight path pass over?
The cruise track crosses the central United States, then heads out over the vast open Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight with no significant landmarks until the Australian coastline comes into view near Sydney.