Seeing Washington Dulles International Airport from a plane
Eero Saarinen's 1962 terminal has a roof that sags between leaning columns like a hammock. Look for it at the head of the runways, and the Udvar-Hazy space shuttle hangar just south.
10 of our routes pass it. Virginia · rated 3 of 10
The easy pick
Washington to Atlanta: sit on the right, on the climb, 5 min after takeoff.
Which side, by route
| Route | Side | When |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore to Denver | Left the other side is usually better on this route | on the climb, 8 min after takeoff |
| Baltimore to Atlanta | Right | 9 min after takeoff |
| Baltimore to Charlotte | Right | 9 min after takeoff |
| Baltimore to Orlando | Right | 10 min after takeoff |
| Baltimore to Tampa | Right | 10 min after takeoff |
| Washington to Atlanta | Right | on the climb, 5 min after takeoff |
| Washington to Dallas-Fort Worth | Right | on the climb, 5 min after takeoff |
| Washington to Houston | Right | on the climb, 5 min after takeoff |
| Washington to Nashville | Right | on the climb, 6 min after takeoff |
| Washington to Chicago | Left | on the climb, 6 min after takeoff |
From the real paths of every nonstop on these routes in the last 10 days, at the usual time of day.
Questions
Which side of the plane do you see Washington Dulles International Airport from?
It depends on the direction: the right on most of our routes (8 of 10). The table lists each route's side.
When can you see Washington Dulles International Airport from a plane?
Near the airport, on the climb or on the way down, and mid-flight on longer routes: see the table for each route.
Can you see Washington Dulles International Airport at night?
Yes, by its lights. The app scores lit places at night by how bright they are.
Do clouds matter?
Yes. These answers assume a clear day. Within 3 days of your flight, pick your exact flight in the app for the cloud forecast.
More
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center The Pentagon Washington Washington DC Mall Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Baltimore (BWI) Denver (DEN) Atlanta (ATL) Charlotte (CLT) All routes