Washington to Cockburn Town is 1,042 miles (1,678 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Washington, D.C. landmarks during departure and the Atlantic coastline during the long cruise over open ocean. Left seats offer excellent landing views but miss the compelling takeoff sequence.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean southeast from the Carolinas. Notable features include the Outer Banks of North Carolina (visible during initial climb if weather permits), then open Atlantic for most of the cruise. As the aircraft approaches the Bahamas, the shallow turquoise banks and scattered cays of the central Bahamas archipelago become visible, with the Exuma Cays and Andros Island passing to the west or east depending on exact approach routing. The Tongue of the Ocean—a deep trench between islands—creates the striking dark blue water visible on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. landmarks during the initial climb-out heading southeast. The city's grid pattern and major monuments are visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at ZSA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Bahamas archipelago and turquoise shallow banks during descent into San Salvador. The distinctive light blue water of the Tongue of the Ocean and the island's irregular coastline are striking during final approach from the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to San Salvador (ZSA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Cockburn Town. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Washington, D.C. landmarks during departure and the Atlantic coastline during the long cruise over open ocean. Left seats offer excellent landing views but miss the compelling takeoff sequence.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. landmarks during the initial climb-out heading southeast. The city's grid pattern and major monuments are visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument and Capitol Building area, Arlington County urban sprawl, Shenandoah Valley foothills (distant).
What can I see when landing at San Salvador in Cockburn Town?
When landing at San Salvador (ZSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Bahamas archipelago and turquoise shallow banks during descent into San Salvador. The distinctive light blue water of the Tongue of the Ocean and the island's irregular coastline are striking during final approach from the northwest. Notable sights include: Tongue of the Ocean (deep blue water), San Salvador Island coastline, shallow turquoise banks and cays, Exuma Cays (distant, to the south).
How long is the flight from Washington to Cockburn Town?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to San Salvador (ZSA) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,042 miles (1,678 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Cockburn Town flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean southeast from the Carolinas. Notable features include the Outer Banks of North Carolina (visible during initial climb if weather permits), then open Atlantic for most of the cruise. As the aircraft approaches the Bahamas, the shallow turquoise banks and scattered cays of the central Bahamas archipelago become visible, with the Exuma Cays and Andros Island passing to the west or east depending on exact approach routing. The Tongue of the Ocean—a deep trench between islands—creates the striking dark blue water visible on descent.