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MIA destination photo
DCA destination photo

MIA β†’ DCA

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

While the right side offers superior coastal scenery during the cruise, the left side is the clear winner for the iconic 'River Visual' approach into DCA, providing unparalleled views of the National Mall and U.S. monuments.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
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Miami Skyline

Aerial views of the Brickell financial district and downtown Miami skyscrapers shortly after departure.

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Everglades Edges

The transition between Miami's urban sprawl and the vast, watery wilderness of the Florida Everglades.

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Piedmont Forests

Dense green canopies and rolling landscapes as you fly over the Carolinas and Virginia.

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The National Mall

Direct views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Reflecting Pool during the final descent.

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The White House

A rare top-down perspective of the Executive Mansion as the plane banks along the Potomac River.

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U.S. Capitol

The iconic white dome of the Capitol building visible just before the plane touches down.

Book a window seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the monuments during the sharp banking maneuvers of the 'River Visual' approach to Runway 19. This side is also better for afternoon flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, reducing window glare.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
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Miami Beach

Stunning views of the turquoise Atlantic waters and the Art Deco hotels of South Beach during takeoff.

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Kennedy Space Center

On clear days, look for the massive Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads near Cape Canaveral.

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The Outer Banks

The thin, sandy ribbon of North Carolina's barrier islands stretching out into the Atlantic.

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Chesapeake Bay

The intricate network of inlets, bridges, and the massive estuary system during the descent into D.C.

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The Pentagon

A clear view of the world's largest office building and its unique five-sided architecture just seconds before landing.

Sit on the right for early morning flights to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. If the wind requires a landing from the south (Runway 1), this side offers the best views of Old Town Alexandria and the National Harbor's Ferris wheel.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 1,484 km (922 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min

Departure: MIA (25.79319953918457, -80.29060363769531)

Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Route Type: Domestic

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