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DCA → PWM
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Portland International Jetport Airport (Portland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular coastal gallery, featuring the Manhattan skyline, the Long Island shoreline, and the rugged, island-dotted waters of Casco Bay during the final descent.
Chesapeake Bay
The intricate shoreline and massive bridges of the upper Chesapeake Bay area.
Manhattan Skyline
The absolute highlight; a clear view of New York City's skyscrapers and Central Park from the coast.
Long Island Sound
A beautiful contrast between the blue water and the sandy beaches of the North Shore.
Narragansett Bay
The scenic islands and bridges of Rhode Island visible as the plane nears Boston.
Boston Harbor
Aerial views of Logan Airport and the historic downtown Boston waterfront.
Casco Bay Islands
The iconic rocky Maine coastline and lighthouse-dotted islands during the PWM approach.
The right side is essential for the best scenery. Watch for New York City approximately 30-40 minutes after departure; the plane usually flies parallel to the Jersey Shore, offering a panoramic view of Manhattan. During the final descent into Portland, the aircraft often turns over the ocean, providing a breathtaking view of the Maine lighthouses and the rocky coast.
Washington D.C. Landmarks
Immediate views of the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery if departing to the south.
Baltimore Skyline
A distant view of the Inner Harbor and the city's dense urban core.
Susquehanna River
The massive river crossing as the flight path heads north toward Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Suburbs
Extensive views of the historic 'Main Line' and Pennsylvania's rolling residential landscapes.
New England Interior
Densely forested landscapes of Massachusetts and New Hampshire during the mid-flight cruise.
Choose the left side for a more shaded cabin during morning flights, which reduces window glare. If the plane departs from runway 19 at DCA, you will have an incredible close-up view of the Pentagon. In the fall, this side provides a great perspective of the New England foliage colors.
Distance: 774 km (481 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 17 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: PWM (43.64619827, -70.30930328)
Route Type: Domestic
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