Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Kennedy Space Center on departure and the Washington DC skyline on approach. Along the mid-flight cruise over the Carolinas and Virginia, the left side also faces slightly more toward the Appalachian ridgelines visible in the distance.
Flown MCO to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Washington is 759 miles (1,222 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over central Florida, then crosses coastal Georgia and South Carolina near Savannah, continues over the Piedmont region of North Carolina and Virginia, crosses the James River valley, and descends over the Northern Virginia suburbs. The Appalachian foothills are visible to the northwest throughout the Virginia portion of the flight. Savannah's coastal marshes and barrier islands are briefly visible during the Georgia crossing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTMCO's primary departure runways 17L/17R head southward before aircraft turn northeast, putting the left side facing east toward the Atlantic coast and the Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center complex. You can clearly see the Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads on the barrier island as you climb out.
Landing at IAD
LEFTIAD primarily uses runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R. On approach from the south, aircraft typically come in from the southeast, putting the left side facing east toward Washington DC proper. The Capitol dome, National Mall, and Potomac River are clearly visible on the left as you descend over Northern Virginia.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Washington. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Kennedy Space Center on departure and the Washington DC skyline on approach. Along the mid-flight cruise over the Carolinas and Virginia, the left side also faces slightly more toward the Appalachian ridgelines visible in the distance.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. MCO's primary departure runways 17L/17R head southward before aircraft turn northeast, putting the left side facing east toward the Atlantic coast and the Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center complex. You can clearly see the Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads on the barrier island as you climb out. Notable sights include: Kennedy Space Center launch pads and VAB, Cape Canaveral barrier island, Indian River Lagoon, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
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. IAD primarily uses runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R. On approach from the south, aircraft typically come in from the southeast, putting the left side facing east toward Washington DC proper. The Capitol dome, National Mall, and Potomac River are clearly visible on the left as you descend over Northern Virginia. Notable sights include: Washington DC National Mall and Capitol, Potomac River, Dulles Access Road corridor, Blue Ridge Mountains on the western horizon.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Washington?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 759 miles (1,222 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Washington flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over central Florida, then crosses coastal Georgia and South Carolina near Savannah, continues over the Piedmont region of North Carolina and Virginia, crosses the James River valley, and descends over the Northern Virginia suburbs. The Appalachian foothills are visible to the northwest throughout the Virginia portion of the flight. Savannah's coastal marshes and barrier islands are briefly visible during the Georgia crossing.