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DCA destination photo
DFW destination photo

DCADFW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is renowned for providing the iconic 'River Visual' departure view of Washington D.C.'s most famous monuments and the Pentagon, followed by a scenic traverse of the Appalachian Mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏛️

National Mall

Unparalleled views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol Building during the river-following departure.

🏢

The Pentagon

A direct bird's-eye view of the world's largest office building immediately after wheels-up from DCA.

⛰️

Blue Ridge Mountains

Sweeping views of the undulating green ridges of the southern Appalachian range across Virginia.

🌊

Mississippi River

A crossing of the massive, winding waterway that marks the transition into the American West.

🏙️

Downtown Dallas

On specific approach paths into DFW, the left side provides a clear view of the Dallas skyline and Reunion Tower.

Sit on the left for the best DC monument views during departure (usually Runway 19). For afternoon flights, this side will be sun-exposed, so bring sunglasses or a polarising filter for photography. The 'River Visual' departure is most frequent when winds are from the south.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏘️

Georgetown

Aerial perspective of the historic waterfront and the spires of Georgetown University.

🌲

Shenandoah Valley

Views of the lush, fertile valley nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies.

🛶

Ohio River Valley

Meandering river views as the flight path crosses the southern portions of the Midwest.

🌳

Ozark Mountains

The rugged, forested plateau of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri is visible during the mid-flight cruise.

✈️

DFW Airport Complex

As the plane descends, enjoy a view of the massive five-terminal layout and the sprawling airfield of DFW.

The right side is the 'cool side' for afternoon flights, keeping the sun on the opposite side of the aircraft. It offers better views of the National Cathedral during departure if the plane tracks slightly north. It is also excellent for observing the vast sprawl of the Texas plains during the final descent.

Top Activities in Dallas-Fort Worth
Route Information

Distance: 1,915 km (1,190 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 33 min

Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Arrival: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)

Route Type: Domestic

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