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DCA → VPS
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Destin-Ft Walton Beach Airport (Valparaiso)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides iconic views of the D.C. monuments during departure and a breathtaking panorama of the Emerald Coast's white sand beaches upon arrival.
National Mall
Glimpse the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building shortly after takeoff from DCA.
The Pentagon
A direct bird's-eye view of the world's largest office building immediately after departure.
Potomac River
Follow the winding path of the river as the aircraft tracks south toward Virginia.
Emerald Coast
Spectacular views of Destin's white quartz sand and turquoise Gulf waters during the landing pattern.
Choctawhatchee Bay
The expansive blue waters of the bay situated just north of the Destin peninsula.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the D.C. skyline if the plane departs south. For afternoon flights, this side will be in the shade for much of the southward journey, reducing glare when photographing the Gulf coast arrival. Watch for the Mid-Atlantic coastline on the horizon during mid-flight.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The rolling blue-hued peaks of the Appalachian range visible to the west throughout Virginia.
Charlotte Skyline
The dense skyscrapers of North Carolina's largest city often appear mid-route.
Southern Pines
Dense forest canopies covering much of Georgia and Alabama during the descent phase.
Eglin Air Force Base
The massive runways and hangars of this active military installation located right next to VPS.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the sunlight hitting the Appalachian foothills. It also offers the best view of the sprawling Eglin AFB complex during the final approach. Keep an eye out for military aircraft maneuvers in the restricted airspace nearby.
Distance: 1,271 km (790 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: VPS (30.4832, -86.525398)
Route Type: Domestic
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