Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Washington. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are largely featureless ocean regardless of side, but the left seat delivers the best of Madrid on departure and the best approach geometry into Dulles, making it the clear choice for the full journey.

During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Barajas typically departs westbound on runways 32L/32R, meaning a left-side seat gives you a clear view south over central Madrid as you climb out. You'll see the city grid, the Manzanares river corridor, and the Sierra de Guadarrama rising to the northwest before the aircraft turns toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Central Madrid city grid and Gran Via corridor, Manzanares River and Casa de Campo park, Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range to the northwest, Retiro Park visible as a large green rectangle southeast of center.

When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically receives westbound transatlantic arrivals from the east, with approaches on runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind. A left-side seat on final approach from the east gives views over the Virginia suburbs, the Potomac River, and the broader Washington metro area including the Capitol dome and National Mall visible in the distance to the northeast. Notable sights include: Potomac River winding through the Virginia-Maryland border, Washington DC skyline and National Mall visible to the northeast, Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, Dulles Access Road corridor leading straight to the terminal.

The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours westbound.

The flight tracks northwest from Madrid across the Iberian Peninsula, crossing the Portuguese coast near Lisbon before heading out over the North Atlantic. The great circle route passes south of Iceland and Greenland, crossing the Canadian Maritime provinces — Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are sometimes visible on clear days. The aircraft then tracks down the US East Coast, crossing New England and the mid-Atlantic states before descending into northern Virginia.