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SFO → DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior primarily for the iconic 'River Visual' approach into DCA, which offers an unparalleled view of the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol, as the plane descends over the Potomac River.
San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the downtown skyline immediately after takeoff from SFO.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of North America's largest alpine lake, surrounded by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains.
Great Salt Lake
The unique textures of the Utah salt flats and the distinct color variations of the Great Salt Lake's northern arm.
Northern Rockies
Dramatic views of the Medicine Bow Mountains and the rugged peaks of northern Colorado and southern Wyoming.
National Mall
On the final approach to DCA, a spectacular bird's-eye view of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building.
Book a window seat on the left for the most famous landing in the U.S. (The River Visual). Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be on the right (south) side of the aircraft, providing perfectly lit views of the landmarks to the north without glare. On departure, if the winds are from the West, you may loop over the Pacific for a full view of the city.
Yosemite National Park
Glacial valleys and granite monoliths like Half Dome are often visible to the south shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Canyonlands
The intricate red rock formations and deep canyons of eastern Utah and western Colorado.
Pikes Peak
The iconic 'America's Mountain' standing as a sentinel on the edge of the Colorado Front Range.
Gateway Arch
The silver curve of the St. Louis Arch visible as the flight crosses the Mississippi River.
The Pentagon
A direct view of the world's largest office building and Arlington National Cemetery during the final seconds before touchdown.
The right side offers incredible views of the high Sierra and the mid-continent river systems. However, be aware that on an eastbound flight, this side will face the sun for the duration of the day, which can make it quite warm and create glare on the window. During the landing at DCA, you will see the Pentagon and the Jefferson Memorial, but miss the main National Mall layout.
Distance: 3,921 km (2,436 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 37 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Route Type: Domestic
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