Left side wins at both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get the Raleigh urban area and Triangle reservoirs; at landing you get the Frankfurt skyline and Main River on approach. Over the Atlantic the views are symmetric, but the left side also faces south toward the Azores archipelago during the mid-Atlantic crossing if conditions are clear.
Flight Path
After climbing out over the North Carolina Piedmont, the route crosses the Outer Banks and heads northeast over the North Atlantic. The flight typically passes well north of Bermuda, crosses the mid-Atlantic near 45-50°N latitude, then tracks over the southern tip of Ireland or southwestern England, crosses the English Channel or southern North Sea, and descends into the Rhine-Main basin over western Germany. The Azores may be visible far to the south in clear conditions. Greenland's southern ice sheet can sometimes be seen on more northerly routings.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
LEFTRDU's primary departure runway 23L sends aircraft southwest before turning northeast toward the Atlantic. A left-side seat gives you views back over downtown Raleigh and the Research Triangle area as the aircraft banks. You'll see the urban grid of Raleigh and Durham spread out clearly before the aircraft climbs out over the Piedmont.
Landing at FRA
LEFTFrankfurt approaches from the west on runway 25L/25R, meaning a left-side seat looks south toward the Rhine River valley, the Taunus hills, and the Main River as you descend. You get a clear view of the Frankfurt skyline on the left side as the aircraft lines up on final approach from the east.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Frankfurt. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get the Raleigh urban area and Triangle reservoirs; at landing you get the Frankfurt skyline and Main River on approach. Over the Atlantic the views are symmetric, but the left side also faces south toward the Azores archipelago during the mid-Atlantic crossing if conditions are clear.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. RDU's primary departure runway 23L sends aircraft southwest before turning northeast toward the Atlantic. A left-side seat gives you views back over downtown Raleigh and the Research Triangle area as the aircraft banks. You'll see the urban grid of Raleigh and Durham spread out clearly before the aircraft climbs out over the Piedmont. Notable sights include: Downtown Raleigh skyline, Jordan Lake reservoir to the southwest, Falls Lake reservoir to the north, Research Triangle Park campus sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt approaches from the west on runway 25L/25R, meaning a left-side seat looks south toward the Rhine River valley, the Taunus hills, and the Main River as you descend. You get a clear view of the Frankfurt skyline on the left side as the aircraft lines up on final approach from the east. Notable sights include: Frankfurt Bankenviertel skyline, Main River winding through the city, Taunus hills to the north, Rhine River valley visible to the southwest.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Frankfurt?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
After climbing out over the North Carolina Piedmont, the route crosses the Outer Banks and heads northeast over the North Atlantic. The flight typically passes well north of Bermuda, crosses the mid-Atlantic near 45-50°N latitude, then tracks over the southern tip of Ireland or southwestern England, crosses the English Channel or southern North Sea, and descends into the Rhine-Main basin over western Germany. The Azores may be visible far to the south in clear conditions. Greenland's southern ice sheet can sometimes be seen on more northerly routings.