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DFW → DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas-Fort Worth) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior primarily due to the approach into DCA. During the famous 'River Visual' approach to Runway 19, passengers on the left have a front-row seat to the National Mall, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol.
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Mississippi River
Cross the iconic American waterway near the Tennessee/Arkansas border about 45 minutes into the flight.
Appalachian Ridges
Dramatic views of the parallel ridges and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains through West Virginia and Virginia.
The National Mall
Direct views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and White House during the final descent over the Potomac.
The Pentagon
A rare top-down perspective of the world's largest office building just seconds before touchdown.
Book a seat in front of the wing for unobstructed views of the monuments. Most flights use the River Visual approach; keep your camera ready as soon as the plane begins its steep banking turns following the Potomac River. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting on the monuments as the sun is in the west.
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Ozark National Forest
Early in the flight, enjoy the dense green canopy and rolling hills of the Arkansas Ozarks.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Expansive views of the misty Blue Ridge range stretching toward the southern horizon.
Old Town Alexandria
Views of the historic waterfront and the dense urban sprawl of Northern Virginia during the final approach.
While the right side misses the monuments on the River Visual approach, it offers a great view of the Potomac River's southern bank and the National Harbor. If the wind is blowing from the south and the plane lands on Runway 1, the right side may catch a glimpse of the monuments during the initial patterns.
Book Hotels in WashingtonDistance: 1,915 km (1,190 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 33 min
Departure: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)
Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Route Type: Domestic
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