The left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic volcanic terrain during takeoff and, more importantly, the cruise-phase views over Siberian taiga, river deltas, and Arctic tundra along the polar great-circle route — scenery the right side, dominated by open Pacific and Sea of Japan waters, cannot match.
Flown TPE to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Taipei to Washington is 7,851 miles (12,635 km), a flight of about 14 hours 50 minutes.
The great-circle route passes over the Sea of Japan, Sakhalin Island, the Russian Far East taiga, Arctic tundra near the Siberian coast, and the ice-covered expanses of northern Canada before descending toward Hudson Bay and the Great Lakes region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPE
LEFTDeparting TPE and banking north, the left side shows the volcanic peaks of Yangmingshan and the rugged north Taiwan coastline as the aircraft climbs out over the Taiwan Strait. The right side mostly shows the flatter, urbanized Taipei basin and featureless strait waters.
Landing at IAD
RIGHTOn approach to IAD from the northwest, the right side of the aircraft faces west toward the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley as the plane descends over rolling Virginia countryside. The left side faces east toward flat Piedmont terrain with less relief.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Washington. The left side wins overall thanks to the dramatic volcanic terrain during takeoff and, more importantly, the cruise-phase views over Siberian taiga, river deltas, and Arctic tundra along the polar great-circle route — scenery the right side, dominated by open Pacific and Sea of Japan waters, cannot match.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
During takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing TPE and banking north, the left side shows the volcanic peaks of Yangmingshan and the rugged north Taiwan coastline as the aircraft climbs out over the Taiwan Strait. The right side mostly shows the flatter, urbanized Taipei basin and featureless strait waters. Notable sights include: Yangmingshan volcanic peaks, Taipei basin, north Taiwan coastline, Taiwan Strait.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to IAD from the northwest, the right side of the aircraft faces west toward the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley as the plane descends over rolling Virginia countryside. The left side faces east toward flat Piedmont terrain with less relief. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, Piedmont farmland, Potomac River tributaries.
How long is the flight from Taipei to Washington?
The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 14 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,851 miles (12,635 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to Washington flight path pass over?
The great-circle route passes over the Sea of Japan, Sakhalin Island, the Russian Far East taiga, Arctic tundra near the Siberian coast, and the ice-covered expanses of northern Canada before descending toward Hudson Bay and the Great Lakes region.