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DCA destination photo
CMH destination photo

DCACMH

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is premier for the iconic departure from DCA, offering the most direct view of the National Mall, the Capitol, and the White House before heading over the Shenandoah Valley.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏛️

National Mall

Unmatched views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the US Capitol building.

⚪

The White House

A rare top-down perspective of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue shortly after departure.

✈️

Dulles International Airport

Spot the iconic main terminal and the massive runway complex from cruising altitude.

🏞️

Harpers Ferry

The scenic confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers where MD, VA, and WV meet.

🌳

Monongahela National Forest

The rugged, heavily forested plateau of the West Virginia highlands during the middle of the flight.

The 'River Visual' departure from DCA is legendary; the right side offers the famous 'monument view.' To maximize this, book a flight with a north-facing takeoff. This side also offers the best views of the Appalachian ridges during the afternoon when the sun is in the south.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏛️

The Pentagon

An incredible overhead view of the world's largest office building immediately after takeoff.

🎖️

Arlington National Cemetery

The white marble headstones create a distinct pattern on the hillsides overlooking the Potomac.

⛰️

Shenandoah National Park

Dense green ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching toward the southern horizon.

🏙️

Downtown Columbus

On a typical western approach into CMH, the skyline is often visible to the south during the final turn.

Sit on the left if you want a clear view of the Pentagon and the southern Potomac. For evening flights, this side experiences less direct glare than the right. Keep your camera ready for the first 60 seconds of flight for the best landmarks.

Top Activities in Columbus
Route Information

Distance: 519 km (322 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 52 min

Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Arrival: CMH (39.998001, -82.891899)

Route Type: Domestic

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