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DCA → DEN
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side provides the most iconic views, specifically the world-class aerial perspective of the National Mall monuments during the departure from DCA and glare-free lighting for crossing the Great Plains.
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The National Mall
The 'River Visual' departure offers an unparalleled view of the Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial.
Appalachian Ridges
View the unique 'fold-and-thrust' geological formations of the Pennsylvania and West Virginia mountains.
Midwest Patchwork
The stunning geometric precision of the American heartland's circular and square agricultural irrigation patterns.
Missouri River
Cross the longest river in North America as it winds through the plains near Kansas City or Omaha.
Jeppesen Terminal
Get a bird's-eye view of DEN's iconic white fabric roof, designed to mimic the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.
Sit on the right for the best chance of seeing DC's monuments on departure. This side is north-facing on westbound flights, meaning you will have consistent, soft lighting for photography without sun glare on the window. During arrival, you can often see the sprawling DIA 'tent' terminal during the final approach.
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Pentagon & Arlington
Immediate views of the world's largest office building and the historic Arlington National Cemetery just after takeoff.
Shenandoah National Park
The rolling blue ridges of the Appalachian Mountains and the lush Shenandoah Valley stretching southward.
The Ohio River
Watch the massive waterway carve the border between Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
St. Louis Skyline
On a southern-track route, the Gateway Arch is often visible as a tiny silver sliver on the horizon.
Southern Front Range
As the plane descends into Denver, look for the massive 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak to the southwest.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. During the descent into Denver, this side offers a better chance to spot the high peaks of the southern Colorado Rockies. It is also the best side for viewing the Pentagon during departures to the south.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,369 km (1,472 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 10 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Route Type: Domestic
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