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YYZ → DCA
Which side of the plane to sit from Lester B. Pearson International Airport (Toronto) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the iconic 'River Visual' approach into DCA, offering an unparalleled view of the National Mall, the Capitol, and the Washington Monument during landing.
Lake Ontario Shoreline
Aerial views of the Toronto skyline and the vast blue expanse of the lake immediately after takeoff from YYZ.
Finger Lakes Region
Glacial lakes in Upstate New York appear as long, thin ribbons of blue amidst the rolling green hills.
Appalachian Ridges
The distinctive folded mountain ridges of the Alleghenies stretch across Pennsylvania in linear patterns.
The National Mall
World-class views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the US Capitol during the final descent.
Potomac River
The winding river serves as a guide for the aircraft's descent, providing a scenic low-altitude path into the city.
Sit on the left for the best chance at the 'River Visual' approach into Runway 19. This is one of the most scenic landings in North America. For photography, a late afternoon flight offers the best lighting on the monuments without the sun's glare hitting your window.
Niagara Region
A distant view of the Niagara River and the mist rising from the falls can often be seen to the west shortly after departure.
Allegheny Plateau
Dense forest cover and rugged wilderness areas of the Pennsylvania Wilds during the mid-flight cruise.
The Pentagon
An excellent top-down view of the world's largest office building and the Arlington skyline just before touchdown.
Arlington National Cemetery
The solemn, orderly white rows of the cemetery and the Air Force Memorial are clearly visible on the right side.
The right side is ideal if the airport is operating with a southern approach (landing from the south), though this is less frequent. It is also the better side for viewing the Pentagon and Arlington. Keep an eye out for Niagara Falls in the distance shortly after takeoff if the sky is clear.
Distance: 579 km (360 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 58 min
Departure: YYZ (43.6772003174, -79.63059997559999)
Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Route Type: International
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