Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Harrisburg to Washington. The left side captures the most dramatic and geographically interesting moment of this short flight: the Susquehanna River and the Pennsylvania ridge-and-valley system on departure. The landing views on either side are relatively suburban, so the takeoff scenery tips the balance to the left.

During takeoff from Harrisburg International (MDT), sit on the Left side for the best views. MDT's primary departure runway 13 sends aircraft southeast, putting the left (north/east) side facing the Susquehanna River and the broad Cumberland Valley. You get a clear look back at the river's wide bend and the ridge-and-valley topography of the Pennsylvania mountains as you climb out. Notable sights include: Susquehanna River broad bend near Harrisburg, Blue Mountain ridge to the north, Cumberland Valley farmland patchwork, downtown Harrisburg capitol dome.

When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. IAD's primary arrival runway 01R/19L and the common approach from the northeast puts arriving aircraft on a southwesterly heading. The right side faces southeast toward the Virginia piedmont and offers a clear view of the Dulles corridor, the Bull Run Mountains, and on clear days the distant Blue Ridge. The left side faces northwest into less populated terrain. Notable sights include: Bull Run Mountains to the southwest, Dulles Toll Road corridor below, Loudoun County horse country fields, distant Blue Ridge on the horizon.

The flight from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes Approximately 35-45 minutes.

The flight crosses the Mason-Dixon Line area, passes over the rolling piedmont of northern Maryland, transects the Monocacy River valley near Frederick MD, and skims over the northern Virginia exurbs of Loudoun County before descending into Dulles. The South Mountain ridge in Maryland may be visible briefly on the left side during cruise.