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AUS → DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (Austin) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for the iconic River Visual approach to DCA, offering unparalleled views of the National Mall, the White House, and the US Capitol building during the final descent.
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Austin Skyline
Great views of the growing Austin skyline and the University of Texas tower shortly after takeoff from AUS.
Mississippi River
A massive aerial view of the meandering Mississippi River near the border of Tennessee and Arkansas.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Stunning vistas of the Appalachian range and the Shenandoah Valley as you cross into Virginia.
National Mall
The premier view of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and US Capitol during the River Visual approach.
Rosslyn Skyline
Close-up views of the high-rise buildings in Arlington, Virginia, just across the river from the monuments.
For the best experience, choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. The 'River Visual' approach into DCA usually happens when winds are from the south; this provides the legendary view of the monuments. Evening flights are particularly magical as the monuments and the Potomac River are illuminated.
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Ozark Plateau
Overlooking the dense forests and rolling hills of the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas.
Appalachian Ridges
Distinct geological formations of the folded Appalachian Mountains over West Virginia.
The Pentagon
A direct overhead view of the world's largest office building and Department of Defense headquarters.
Old Town Alexandria
Beautiful views of the historic waterfront, docks, and brick-lined streets of Alexandria, Virginia.
The right side is excellent if the flight approaches from the south (Runway 1), offering a broad view of the Potomac River. Watch for the Pentagon on the final seconds of the approach. Morning flights provide the best lighting for seeing the textures of the Appalachian mountain ridges to the east.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 2,114 km (1,314 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 49 min
Departure: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)
Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Route Type: Domestic
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