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DCA destination photo
MSY destination photo

DCAMSY

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a premier view of the Washington D.C. skyline and monuments during the initial climb, followed by a fantastic perspective of the New Orleans cityscape and the Mississippi River during the final approach into MSY.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏛️

The National Mall

Unmatched views of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial immediately following takeoff from DCA.

🏙️

Downtown New Orleans

On the descent into MSY, look for the Caesar's Superdome and the historic French Quarter along the river curve.

🌊

Lake Pontchartrain

The plane typically crosses over this massive brackish estuary, providing a sense of its immense scale before touchdown.

🏞️

Potomac River Basin

See the scenic curves of the Potomac as the aircraft maneuvers through one of the most restricted airspaces in the world.

🌲

Southern Pine Forests

Mid-flight views of the vast timberlands stretching across Alabama and Mississippi.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is critical for the 'River Visual' departure if the wind is blowing from the South. During the final 10 minutes of the flight, stay alert for the distinct crescent shape of the Mississippi River that gives New Orleans its nickname.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🛡️

The Pentagon

A direct overhead view of the world's largest office building shortly after departing from DCA's runway.

🏔️

Blue Ridge Mountains

The rolling blue-hued ridges of the Appalachian Mountains are visible in the distance to the West during the first half of the trip.

🌉

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

Spot the world's longest continuous bridge over water, which appears as a thin needle stretching 24 miles across the lake.

🐍

Mississippi River Meanders

As you descend into Louisiana, observe the dramatic, tight horseshoe bends of the lower Mississippi River.

🏟️

Alexandria & Old Town

Excellent views of the historic waterfront and brick-lined streets of Alexandria, Virginia, just south of the airport.

Choose the right side if you are flying in the late afternoon or evening to witness a sunset over the Appalachian foothills. This side provides the best view of the Causeway bridge on the descent, which is especially striking when the bridge seems to disappear into the horizon.

Top Activities in New Orleans
Route Information

Distance: 1,559 km (969 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 5 min

Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Arrival: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)

Route Type: Domestic

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