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BUF → DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (Buffalo) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the legendary 'River Visual' approach view of Washington D.C.'s iconic monuments and the US Capitol.
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Finger Lakes
View the southern tips of New York's glacial lakes shortly after departing Buffalo.
Susquehanna River
The massive, winding river system through the heart of the Pennsylvania landscape.
Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians
Dramatic parallel mountain ridges stretching across the horizon in central PA.
The National Mall
Incredible views of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument during the river approach.
The US Capitol
A clear view of the iconic white dome as the plane aligns with the runway for landing.
Sit on the left for the famous River Visual approach to Runway 19. Morning flights provide the best lighting on the white marble monuments. Be prepared for the aircraft to follow the Potomac River closely, offering a dramatic aerial tour of the capital.
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Letchworth State Park
The 'Grand Canyon of the East' featuring deep gorges and waterfalls in Western NY.
Allegheny Plateau
Rugged, densely forested terrain of the northern Appalachian range.
The Pentagon
The massive five-sided headquarters of the DoD visible just seconds before touchdown.
Arlington National Cemetery
The hallowed, rolling green hills on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.
Key Bridge
The historic stone arch bridge connecting Georgetown to the Arlington shoreline.
The right side is superior if the plane approaches from the south (landing on Runway 1), or for seeing the Pentagon on a standard Runway 19 landing. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for the Virginia shoreline and the Pentagon's architecture.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 476 km (296 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 48 min
Departure: BUF (42.94049835, -78.73220062)
Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Route Type: Domestic
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