The right side wins mainly on cruise: on the great-circle track toward Washington, the flight path curves north across the Atlantic, bringing the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and the rugged Labrador coast into view on the right side, a genuinely dramatic and rare sight. The left side spends most of the crossing over featureless open ocean.
Flown LHR to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Washington is 3,667 miles (5,902 km), a flight of about 8 hours 10 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean, southern Greenland ice sheet edge, Labrador Sea, Newfoundland coastline
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTOn the typical westerly departure from Heathrow, the aircraft climbs out over Windsor and the Thames Valley before turning onto the transatlantic track, giving left-side passengers a brief but recognizable glimpse of Windsor Castle and the river below. The right side over Buckinghamshire is unremarkable rural England.
Landing at IAD
RIGHTOn the common southbound approach into Dulles (runway 19), the aircraft descends from the north, putting the Blue Ridge Mountains and the wooded Shenandoah foothills off to the right (west) during the final descent. The left side shows only the flat, developed Virginia suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Washington. The right side wins mainly on cruise: on the great-circle track toward Washington, the flight path curves north across the Atlantic, bringing the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and the rugged Labrador coast into view on the right side, a genuinely dramatic and rare sight. The left side spends most of the crossing over featureless open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical westerly departure from Heathrow, the aircraft climbs out over Windsor and the Thames Valley before turning onto the transatlantic track, giving left-side passengers a brief but recognizable glimpse of Windsor Castle and the river below. The right side over Buckinghamshire is unremarkable rural England. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames, Berkshire countryside.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common southbound approach into Dulles (runway 19), the aircraft descends from the north, putting the Blue Ridge Mountains and the wooded Shenandoah foothills off to the right (west) during the final descent. The left side shows only the flat, developed Virginia suburbs. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah foothills, Loudoun County farmland.
How long is the flight from London to Washington?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 8 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,667 miles (5,902 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Washington flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, southern Greenland ice sheet edge, Labrador Sea, Newfoundland coastline