The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Sierra de Guadarrama departure view from Madrid, which is far more dramatic than anything on the right at takeoff. The landing views at DFW are relatively modest on both sides given the flat Texas terrain, so the takeoff experience tips the balance to the left seat.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest over the Iberian Peninsula crossing the Portuguese coast near Lisbon, then out over the North Atlantic. The route passes south of Greenland and Iceland, crosses the Canadian Maritime provinces or Newfoundland, then tracks southwest over the northeastern United States passing near the Appalachian Mountains before descending over the flat Gulf Coastal Plain into Texas. Mid-Atlantic ocean dominates the central four to five hours with no surface features visible.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTDeparting Madrid Barajas typically on runway 32L/32R heading northwest, the left side gives you a clear view south and southwest over central Madrid city center, the Manzanares River valley, and the Sierra de Guadarrama rising dramatically to the northwest. The right side faces mostly flat agricultural meseta with little of interest.
Landing at DFW
RIGHTDFW arrivals from the east typically use runways 17C/17R/17L heading south, meaning the right side faces west over the Fort Worth skyline and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex sprawl. The left side looks east over flat suburban development with less visual interest. If arriving on northbound runways 35s, the right side still captures the Fort Worth downtown to the west.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Dallas-Fort Worth. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Sierra de Guadarrama departure view from Madrid, which is far more dramatic than anything on the right at takeoff. The landing views at DFW are relatively modest on both sides given the flat Texas terrain, so the takeoff experience tips the balance to the left seat.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Madrid Barajas typically on runway 32L/32R heading northwest, the left side gives you a clear view south and southwest over central Madrid city center, the Manzanares River valley, and the Sierra de Guadarrama rising dramatically to the northwest. The right side faces mostly flat agricultural meseta with little of interest. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (snow-capped peaks visible to the northwest), central Madrid urban grid and Retiro Park, Manzanares River valley, Casa de Campo parkland.
What can I see when landing at Dallas Fort Worth International in Dallas-Fort Worth?
When landing at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), sit on the Right side for the best views. DFW arrivals from the east typically use runways 17C/17R/17L heading south, meaning the right side faces west over the Fort Worth skyline and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex sprawl. The left side looks east over flat suburban development with less visual interest. If arriving on northbound runways 35s, the right side still captures the Fort Worth downtown to the west. Notable sights include: Fort Worth downtown skyline, Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex urban sprawl, Lake Worth to the northwest, Trinity River corridor.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Dallas-Fort Worth?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours westbound.
What does the Madrid to Dallas-Fort Worth flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Iberian Peninsula crossing the Portuguese coast near Lisbon, then out over the North Atlantic. The route passes south of Greenland and Iceland, crosses the Canadian Maritime provinces or Newfoundland, then tracks southwest over the northeastern United States passing near the Appalachian Mountains before descending over the flat Gulf Coastal Plain into Texas. Mid-Atlantic ocean dominates the central four to five hours with no surface features visible.