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DCA → HSV
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Huntsville International Carl T Jones Field (Huntsville)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of the Washington D.C. monuments during departure and a more direct perspective of the dramatic Blue Ridge Mountains and Tennessee River curves during the flight.
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D.C. Monuments
Unparalleled views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building immediately after takeoff from DCA.
Potomac River
Follow the winding path of the Potomac as it flows south toward the Chesapeake Bay.
Shenandoah National Park
View the rolling peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the famous Skyline Drive from above.
Great Smoky Mountains
In the distance to the south, the hazy peaks of the Smokies are visible on clear days.
Tennessee River
The wide, shimmering bends of the Tennessee River appear as the flight enters northern Alabama.
Book a window seat on the left for the 'River Visual' departure, which is one of the most scenic in the US. Morning flights are best for the left side to avoid direct afternoon sun while getting great lighting on the Virginia mountains. Ensure your window is clear of wing obstruction for the best photography of the D.C. skyline.
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The Pentagon
A direct overhead view of the massive five-sided headquarters of the Department of Defense right after takeoff.
Dulles International Airport
Spot the iconic main terminal building and the busy runways of IAD from a distance.
Appalachian Plateau
Observe the unique ridge-and-valley geological formations of the Appalachian range.
Knoxville Skyline
Pass just north of Knoxville, catching glimpses of the Sunsphere and the University of Tennessee campus.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
On final approach to HSV, look for the vertical Saturn V rocket standing as a landmark for 'Rocket City'.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Appalachian plateau. It offers a great view of the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery shortly after lifting off from DCA. During the winter, the snow-capped ridges of West Virginia and Tennessee are particularly striking from this side.
Book Hotels in HuntsvilleDistance: 985 km (612 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: HSV (34.637199401855, -86.775100708008)
Route Type: Domestic
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