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DCA → ALB
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Albany International Airport (Albany)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most consistent scenic value, featuring the Pentagon on departure and the beautiful Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains during the descent.
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Arlington & Pentagon
Immediately after takeoff, get a bird's-eye view of the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery to the west.
Catskill Mountains
See the rolling peaks of the Catskill range as the aircraft begins its descent into the Albany region.
Hudson River
Enjoy a parallel view of the scenic Hudson River as it winds through the valley towards the capital city.
Empire State Plaza
View the unique architecture of the Empire State Plaza and 'The Egg' during the final approach.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing for unobstructed views of the Hudson Valley. This side is ideal for afternoon flights to enjoy the late day light reflecting off the river and mountains.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesNational Mall
On a northern departure, witness the iconic U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial.
Baltimore Harbor
Look east shortly after takeoff to see the industrial layout and ships of the Baltimore Inner Harbor.
Manhattan Skyline
On clear days, the distant but distinct skyline of New York City is visible on the eastern horizon mid-flight.
Mohawk River
Spot the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers just north of Albany during the landing sequence.
The right side is unbeatable for D.C. monument spotting on a north-facing takeoff. It is the better choice for morning flights as the sun remains on the opposite side of the aircraft, reducing window glare.
Book Hotels in AlbanyDistance: 512 km (318 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 51 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: ALB (42.74829864501953, -73.80169677734375)
Route Type: Domestic
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