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DCA β SYR
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Syracuse Hancock International Airport (Syracuse)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the clear winner for this route due to the iconic 'River Visual' departure from DCA, which provides an unparalleled bird's-eye view of the National Mall and D.C. monuments immediately after takeoff.
National Mall
Unmatched views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and White House during the climb out of DCA.
Appalachian Ridges
Dramatic views of the unique 'ridge and valley' geological formations across central Pennsylvania.
Susquehanna River
A clear view of the wide, shallow riverbed as the flight path crosses near Harrisburg, PA.
Finger Lakes
Deep blue views of Cayuga and Seneca Lakes as the aircraft begins its descent into the Syracuse area.
State College
Spot the sprawling Penn State University campus and Beaver Stadium in the heart of Pennsylvania.
Book an 'A' window seat for the best experience. If the plane takes off to the North (Runway 1), you will have about 60 seconds of prime viewing of the National Mall. For evening flights, the sunset over the Appalachian Mountains provides a spectacular backdrop to the Pennsylvania landscape.
U.S. Capitol
Excellent views of the Capitol Dome and Supreme Court building during the initial departure bank.
Baltimore Skyline
On clear days, the Inner Harbor and downtown Baltimore are visible to the east shortly after takeoff.
Pocono Mountains
Dense forest cover and scattered glacial lakes across the northeastern Pennsylvania plateau.
Binghamton Confluence
The meeting point of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers in New York's Southern Tier.
Oneida Lake
As the plane turns for its final approach into SYR, look for the 'Great Salmon' lake to the north.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. While it misses the primary D.C. monuments, it offers a superior view of the U.S. Capitol and the rolling hills of the Southern Tier. Watch for the distinct 'U' shape of the Susquehanna River near Binghamton during the descent.
Distance: 480 km (298 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 48 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: SYR (43.11119842529297, -76.1063003540039)
Route Type: Domestic
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