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CHA â DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Lovell Field (Chattanooga) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for its iconic views of the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, during the 'River Visual' approach into DCA.
Appalachian Ridges
Long, parallel ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching toward the northern horizon.
Shenandoah Valley
A vast, fertile valley nestled between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountains.
National Mall
Unobstructed views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol Building.
Rosslyn Skyline
The dense cluster of high-rise buildings in Arlington standing directly across from D.C.
Georgetown
The historic colorful rooftops and university spires on the banks of the Potomac.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the D.C. monuments. This view is most dramatic during the 'River Visual' approach for Runway 19. For morning flights, the sun will be behind you, providing perfectly lit landscapes. In autumn, the Appalachian foliage offers a stunning tapestry of red and gold from mid-October to early November.
Lookout Mountain
The distinctive ridge south of Chattanooga visible immediately after takeoff.
George Washington Forest
Dense, rolling woodlands covering the Piedmont region of Virginia.
Potomac River Bends
The wide, winding curves of the Potomac River as it flows toward the Chesapeake.
The Pentagon
A direct, top-down perspective of the world's largest office building just before touchdown.
Arlington National Cemetery
The solemn, geometric rows of white markers across the sprawling green hills.
The right side offers an incredible view of the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery during the final seconds of flight. If the plane lands from the south (Runway 1), you will see the Alexandria waterfront. Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze distorting your photos of the Pentagon.
Distance: 840 km (522 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: CHA (35.03530120849609, -85.20379638671875)
Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Route Type: Domestic
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