The left side wins on both ends of the flight — the Washington DC monuments during departure and the Charleston Harbor estuary system during arrival — while the right side over the Piedmont hills offers comparatively flat, unremarkable terrain for most of the route.
Flown DCA to CHS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Charleston is 444 miles (715 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Virginia and North Carolina coastal plain, Chesapeake Bay's southern reaches, and the tidewater rivers feeding into Albemarle Sound
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DCA
LEFTDepartures off Runway 01 climb north along the Potomac before banking south toward Charleston, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the National Mall, Washington Monument, and the Capitol dome as the city falls away below.
Landing at CHS
LEFTOn approach into Charleston from the southeast (common with Runway 33 in warmer months), left-side passengers get views over Charleston Harbor, the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, and the marsh-lined barrier islands before touchdown.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Charleston Afb International (CHS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Charleston. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — the Washington DC monuments during departure and the Charleston Harbor estuary system during arrival — while the right side over the Piedmont hills offers comparatively flat, unremarkable terrain for most of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures off Runway 01 climb north along the Potomac before banking south toward Charleston, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the National Mall, Washington Monument, and the Capitol dome as the city falls away below. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Pentagon.
What can I see when landing at Charleston Afb International in Charleston?
When landing at Charleston Afb International (CHS), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Charleston from the southeast (common with Runway 33 in warmer months), left-side passengers get views over Charleston Harbor, the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, and the marsh-lined barrier islands before touchdown. Notable sights include: Charleston Harbor, Cooper River, Ashley River, coastal marshlands.
How long is the flight from Washington to Charleston?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Charleston Afb International (CHS) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 444 miles (715 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Charleston flight path pass over?
Virginia and North Carolina coastal plain, Chesapeake Bay's southern reaches, and the tidewater rivers feeding into Albemarle Sound