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VPS β DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Destin-Ft Walton Beach Airport (Valparaiso) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is legendary for the 'River Visual' approach into DCA, offering the most iconic aerial views of the National Mall and U.S. monuments.
Choctawhatchee Bay
Aerial perspective of the turquoise Gulf waters and the Mid-Bay Bridge immediately following departure from VPS.
Appalachian Foothills
Rolling green hills and the start of the Blue Ridge mountain range as the flight progresses through Georgia and South Carolina.
Shenandoah Valley
Vast stretches of Virginia's forest and agricultural land leading toward the D.C. metro area.
The Pentagon
An incredibly close-up view of the world's largest office building during the final seconds of descent.
The National Mall
Unobstructed views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol during the 'River Visual' landing.
Arlington Cemetery
The meticulously arranged white markers and the Eternal Flame site visible just before touchdown.
Sit on the left to capitalize on the 'River Visual' approach to Runway 19, which is used most of the time. Morning flights provide the best lighting for the monuments without the harsh afternoon sun glare. Seats behind the wing are preferred to keep the landscape in full view.
Emerald Coast
Sweeping views of the white-sand beaches stretching from Destin toward Panama City Beach after takeoff.
Coastal Plain Marshes
The intricate drainage patterns and wetlands of the southern Piedmont region during the climb to cruise altitude.
Potomac River
Detailed views of the river's geography and pleasure boats as the plane follows the water's curves into D.C.
Old Town Alexandria
The historic street grid and bustling waterfront of this colonial-era town during the final approach.
Woodrow Wilson Bridge
A bird's-eye view of the massive drawbridge and the busy I-495 traffic spanning the Potomac.
The right side is excellent if the plane lands from the south (Runway 1), offering a panoramic view of the Potomac and the Maryland shoreline. It is also the better side for watching the sunrise on early morning departures from Florida heading northeast.
Distance: 1,271 km (790 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: VPS (30.4832, -86.525398)
Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Route Type: Domestic
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