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DCA → LEX
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Blue Grass Airport (Lexington KY)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the legendary 'River Visual' departure view of the Washington D.C. monuments, followed by expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley and the West Virginia state capitol.
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The National Mall
Unrivaled views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol Building during the River Visual departure.
Georgetown
The historic waterfront and university campus along the banks of the Potomac River.
Shenandoah Valley
The fertile valley floor nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains.
Charleston State Capitol
Look for the distinctive gold-leafed dome of the West Virginia State Capitol building near the Kanawha River.
Appalachian Ridges
The dramatic 'folded' mountain appearance of the Allegheny Front in West Virginia.
The right side is essential for the DC skyline if the wind is blowing from the south. For the best photography of the National Mall, use a fast shutter speed as the plane turns quickly. In autumn, this side provides spectacular views of the changing foliage across the West Virginia highlands. Morning flights offer the best lighting for the DC monuments.
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The Pentagon
A massive overhead view of the world's largest office building immediately after takeoff from DCA.
Shenandoah National Park
The rolling peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the southern stretches of Skyline Drive.
Daniel Boone National Forest
Dense woodland canopies and rugged terrain as the flight crosses into eastern Kentucky.
Kentucky Horse Country
Iconic rolling green hills and white-fenced thoroughbred farms on the final approach into Lexington.
Sit on the left for a direct look at the Pentagon during the initial climb. During the late afternoon, this side faces south/southwest, which can be quite sunny; keep the window shade partially down until you reach the scenic Appalachian ridges. The descent into LEX provides the best views of the geometric patterns of horse paddocks.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 665 km (413 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: LEX (38.0364990234375, -84.60590362548828)
Route Type: Domestic
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