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DCA → ORF
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Norfolk International Airport (Norfolk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the iconic Washington D.C. skyline immediately after takeoff and expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay throughout the descent.
Search flights from DCA to ORF
National Mall
Aerial views of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the U.S. Capitol Building during the initial climb.
Fort Washington Park
A historic 19th-century coastal defense fort located on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.
Chesapeake Bay
The vast expanse of the nation's largest estuary, showing the intricate mixing of river water and the Atlantic.
Bay Bridge-Tunnel
The massive engineering marvel connecting Virginia's Eastern Shore to the mainland visible during the final approach.
Sit on the left for the best views of the D.C. monuments if the flight departs to the south. Late afternoon flights are ideal for the left side as the sun will be behind the aircraft, illuminating the Maryland shoreline and the bay without glare.
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Old Town Alexandria
The historic waterfront and colonial grid of one of the oldest ports in the United States.
Mount Vernon
George Washington's historic estate and gardens situated on a prominent bluff overlooking the Potomac.
Naval Station Norfolk
The world's largest naval base, often featuring aircraft carriers and destroyers docked at the piers.
Newport News Shipbuilding
Massive gantry cranes and dry docks where the nation's supercarriers are constructed and maintained.
The right side is a must for military enthusiasts. As you approach ORF, the plane typically banks in a way that provides a direct look at the massive fleet at Naval Station Norfolk. Morning flights offer the best lighting for this side.
Book Hotels in NorfolkDistance: 230 km (143 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 23 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: ORF (36.89459991455078, -76.20120239257812)
Route Type: Domestic
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