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BOS → DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (Boston) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is widely considered superior for the iconic 'River Visual' approach into DCA, offering a direct view of the National Mall and major monuments.
Search flights from BOS to DCA
Boston Harbor Islands
Aerial views of Georges Island and the historic Boston Light immediately after takeoff.
Long Island Sound
A sweeping view of the Connecticut shoreline and the diverse coastline of northern Long Island.
Queens and Brooklyn
Bird's-eye view of New York City's eastern boroughs and the sprawling complex of JFK Airport.
Baltimore Inner Harbor
Look for the distinct geometry of the harbor, the National Aquarium, and the downtown skyscrapers.
The National Mall
An unparalleled view of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial during the final descent.
To maximize your chances of seeing the monuments, check the wind; a North wind usually means a 'River Visual' approach to Runway 19 where the left side is essential. Morning flights are ideal for this route as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the East Coast cities clearly.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesBoston Skyline
Panoramic views of the Back Bay, the Prudential Tower, and the Charles River during initial climb.
Manhattan Skyline
On clear days, see the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Freedom Tower in the distance.
Philadelphia
Spot the Center City skyscrapers and the sports complex in South Philadelphia as you cruise south.
Susquehanna River
A wide-angle view of the river mouth and the historic bridges near Havre de Grace, Maryland.
The Pentagon
A dramatic, low-altitude view of the world's largest office building just before the wheels touch the tarmac.
The right side is your best bet for the Manhattan skyline and the Pentagon. If landing from the south (Runway 1), the right side actually gets the better view of the National Mall. Try to book a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion during photography.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 641 km (398 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 4 min
Departure: BOS (42.36429977, -71.00520325)
Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Route Type: Domestic
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