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CLT destination photo
DCA destination photo

CLTDCA

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is the clear winner for the iconic 'River Visual' approach into DCA, offering front-row seats to the Pentagon and the National Mall's monuments.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏙️

Uptown Charlotte

A close-up view of the Charlotte skyline and the Bank of America Stadium immediately after takeoff from CLT.

⛰️

Blue Ridge Mountains

Distant views of the Appalachian range to the west as you cruise north through the Virginia Piedmont.

🏢

The Pentagon

An incredible overhead view of the world's largest office building just moments before touchdown at DCA.

🏛️

National Mall

Clear sightlines to the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol Building across the Potomac.

⚪

The White House

A rare aerial perspective of the executive mansion and the surrounding Ellipse during the final descent.

Sit on the left for the famous 'River Visual' approach into Runway 19; this path follows the Potomac River and provides the best monument views. Morning flights avoid the sun's glare on this side, making it easier to photograph landmarks. If the wind is from the south, you'll still get a great view of the Pentagon on short final.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🌊

Lake Norman

North Carolina's largest man-made lake, visible shortly after departure as the plane turns north.

🏘️

Old Town Alexandria

The historic brick-lined streets and waterfront of Alexandria, Virginia, visible during the final descent.

🎡

National Harbor

Views of the Capital Wheel and the massive MGM Grand resort across the river in Maryland.

⚓

Potomac River

Wide-angle views of the winding river and the various marinas lining the Virginia and Maryland shores.

The right side is best for seeing the Virginia suburbs and the waterfront of Alexandria. If the flight arrives in the late afternoon or evening, the right side will enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Virginia landscape. Keep an eye out for Richmond, VA, roughly halfway through the flight if the path is slightly inland.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 533 km (331 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 53 min

Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)

Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Route Type: Domestic

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