The left side offers the more interesting bookends—Istanbul's waterways and skyline on departure, then the Potomac and Virginia countryside on arrival—while both sides share the same long, scenically flat Atlantic crossing in between.
Flown IST to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Washington is 5,211 miles (8,387 km), a flight of about 10 hours 55 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean, passing south of Iceland and near the Labrador Sea before making landfall over Newfoundland and Atlantic Canada
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST to the west, the initial turn typically banks over the Sea of Marmara side of the city, giving a good look at the Bosphorus mouth, historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Marmara coastline before the climb continues over Thrace toward the Balkans.
Landing at IAD
LEFTArrivals into IAD from the northeast typically descend over Maryland before turning for final approach, and on the left side passengers get a clear view of the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay tributaries, and the wooded Virginia Piedmont sliding by just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Washington. The left side offers the more interesting bookends—Istanbul's waterways and skyline on departure, then the Potomac and Virginia countryside on arrival—while both sides share the same long, scenically flat Atlantic crossing in between.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST to the west, the initial turn typically banks over the Sea of Marmara side of the city, giving a good look at the Bosphorus mouth, historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Marmara coastline before the climb continues over Thrace toward the Balkans. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's historic peninsula, Thracian countryside.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into IAD from the northeast typically descend over Maryland before turning for final approach, and on the left side passengers get a clear view of the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay tributaries, and the wooded Virginia Piedmont sliding by just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay tributaries, Virginia Piedmont woodlands, Dulles airfield approach lights.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Washington?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 10 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,211 miles (8,387 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Washington flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, passing south of Iceland and near the Labrador Sea before making landfall over Newfoundland and Atlantic Canada