The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a rare glimpse of the DC monuments during departure and a scenic Atlantic coastline arrival into Fort Lauderdale, while the right side offers mostly flat inland terrain throughout.
Flown DCA to FLL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Fort Lauderdale is 901 miles (1,450 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The route tracks broadly along the Atlantic seaboard, passing near the Chesapeake Bay mouth, the North Carolina Outer Banks, and the Georgia and northern Florida coastline before descending into South Florida.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DCA
LEFTDeparting DCA to the south, the initial climb and turn give a brief but clear view east over the Potomac toward the National Mall, with the Washington Monument, Capitol dome, and Pentagon visible before the aircraft banks onto its southbound course. The right side only shows the flatter Virginia suburbs.
Landing at FLL
LEFTOn approach into FLL from the north, the left side faces east toward the Atlantic, giving passengers a sweeping view of Fort Lauderdale's beaches, the turquoise shallows, and cruise ships docked at Port Everglades just before touchdown. The right side instead looks over flat inland suburbs and the edge of the Everglades with little visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Fort Lauderdale. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a rare glimpse of the DC monuments during departure and a scenic Atlantic coastline arrival into Fort Lauderdale, while the right side offers mostly flat inland terrain throughout.
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. Departing DCA to the south, the initial climb and turn give a brief but clear view east over the Potomac toward the National Mall, with the Washington Monument, Capitol dome, and Pentagon visible before the aircraft banks onto its southbound course. The right side only shows the flatter Virginia suburbs. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument and National Mall, U.S. Capitol dome, Pentagon.
What can I see when landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
When landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into FLL from the north, the left side faces east toward the Atlantic, giving passengers a sweeping view of Fort Lauderdale's beaches, the turquoise shallows, and cruise ships docked at Port Everglades just before touchdown. The right side instead looks over flat inland suburbs and the edge of the Everglades with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Fort Lauderdale beach strip, Port Everglades cruise terminal, Atlantic coastline, Intracoastal Waterway.
How long is the flight from Washington to Fort Lauderdale?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 901 miles (1,450 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Fort Lauderdale flight path pass over?
The route tracks broadly along the Atlantic seaboard, passing near the Chesapeake Bay mouth, the North Carolina Outer Banks, and the Georgia and northern Florida coastline before descending into South Florida.