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MIA β DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Miami International Airport (Miami) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
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.
Miami Skyline
Aerial views of the Brickell financial district and downtown Miami skyscrapers shortly after departure.
Everglades Edges
The transition between Miami's urban sprawl and the vast, watery wilderness of the Florida Everglades.
Piedmont Forests
Dense green canopies and rolling landscapes as you fly over the Carolinas and Virginia.
The National Mall
Direct views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Reflecting Pool during the final descent.
The White House
A rare top-down perspective of the Executive Mansion as the plane banks along the Potomac River.
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.
Miami Beach
Stunning views of the turquoise Atlantic waters and the Art Deco hotels of South Beach during takeoff.
Kennedy Space Center
On clear days, look for the massive Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads near Cape Canaveral.
The Outer Banks
The thin, sandy ribbon of North Carolina's barrier islands stretching out into the Atlantic.
Chesapeake Bay
The intricate network of inlets, bridges, and the massive estuary system during the descent into D.C.
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.
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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