While the DCA departure briefly favors the right side with DC monuments, the left side offers a longer scenic payoff: extended coastal views along the Atlantic seaboard during cruise and a scenic Florida coastal approach into MCO, giving it more sustained visual interest.
Flown DCA to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Orlando is 761 miles (1,224 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Route roughly parallels the Atlantic coastline over eastern North Carolina and South Carolina, with barrier islands and coastal marshlands like the Outer Banks vicinity visible below on clear stretches of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DCA
RIGHTDepartures off DCA's Runway 01/19 often track the Potomac before turning south, giving right-side passengers a brief but iconic view of the Pentagon, the National Mall monuments, and the Potomac's bends through DC before the turn toward the Carolinas.
Landing at MCO
LEFTOn approach into MCO from the north, left-side passengers get a clear view of Florida's Atlantic coastline, including barrier islands and the Space Coast area near Cape Canaveral, before the turn inland toward Orlando's lake-dotted terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Orlando. While the DCA departure briefly favors the right side with DC monuments, the left side offers a longer scenic payoff: extended coastal views along the Atlantic seaboard during cruise and a scenic Florida coastal approach into MCO, giving it more sustained visual interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures off DCA's Runway 01/19 often track the Potomac before turning south, giving right-side passengers a brief but iconic view of the Pentagon, the National Mall monuments, and the Potomac's bends through DC before the turn toward the Carolinas. Notable sights include: Pentagon, Washington Monument and National Mall, Potomac River bends, Ronald Reagan National's riverside runway.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MCO from the north, left-side passengers get a clear view of Florida's Atlantic coastline, including barrier islands and the Space Coast area near Cape Canaveral, before the turn inland toward Orlando's lake-dotted terrain. Notable sights include: Atlantic barrier islands, Indian River Lagoon, Kennedy Space Center vicinity, Orlando's numerous lakes.
How long is the flight from Washington to Orlando?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 761 miles (1,224 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Orlando flight path pass over?
Route roughly parallels the Atlantic coastline over eastern North Carolina and South Carolina, with barrier islands and coastal marshlands like the Outer Banks vicinity visible below on clear stretches of the flight.