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DCA → CHA
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Lovell Field (Chattanooga)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the D.C. monuments and the Pentagon immediately after takeoff, followed by the best angles of the rugged Appalachian ridge-and-valley formations.
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D.C. Monuments & Pentagon
Unbeatable views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the massive pentagonal shape of the Department of Defense.
Appalachian Folds
A spectacular look at the 'wrinkled' geological layers of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Shenandoah Valley
The fertile, patch-worked valley floor between the mountain ranges, dotted with small Virginian farm towns.
Tennessee River Bends
The dramatic Moccasin Bend and the winding path of the Tennessee River as the plane descends into the Chattanooga basin.
Request a window seat behind the wing to ensure your view of the Pentagon isn't blocked. For the best experience, book a late afternoon flight to see the sun set behind the Appalachian ridges, creating dramatic shadows across the valleys.
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Old Town Alexandria
A clear view of the historic waterfront and the colonial street grid of Alexandria just seconds after departing DCA.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Continuous views of the rolling, forested peaks of the Blue Ridge running parallel to the flight path.
Knoxville & Neyland Stadium
As you enter Tennessee, look for the urban sprawl of Knoxville and the massive University of Tennessee football stadium.
Downtown Chattanooga
On final approach, if landing from the north, the left side often glimpses the Tennessee Aquarium and the city center.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct western sun. This side is superior for spotting the Shenandoah National Park boundary and the eastern edge of the Smoky Mountains in the distance during the final third of the flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 840 km (522 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: CHA (35.03530120849609, -85.20379638671875)
Route Type: Domestic
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