Both sides score equally for the full flight, but the right side edges ahead for landing approach scenery. The descent into Manchester offers better geographic variety with the Merrimack River valley and New Hampshire's terrain features. The takeoff from DCA is slightly more scenic on the left with DC's urban landmarks, but the landing advantage on the right provides the stronger overall experience for this route.
Flown DCA to MHT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Manchester is 406 miles (654 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Delaware Bay and Delaware River estuary, New Jersey Pine Barrens, Connecticut River valley, Massachusetts-New Hampshire border region with transition from coastal plain to New England uplands
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DCA
LEFTLeft side captures the Potomac River and Washington DC urban landscape during departure from DCA, with the National Mall, Capitol Building, and Arlington visible. Right side shows suburban Virginia and Maryland with less distinctive urban character.
Landing at MHT
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Merrimack River valley and New Hampshire's rolling terrain as the aircraft descends toward Manchester. Left side shows less distinctive features—primarily forested areas and suburban sprawl without major geographic landmarks.
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 Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Manchester. Both sides score equally for the full flight, but the right side edges ahead for landing approach scenery. The descent into Manchester offers better geographic variety with the Merrimack River valley and New Hampshire's terrain features. The takeoff from DCA is slightly more scenic on the left with DC's urban landmarks, but the landing advantage on the right provides the stronger overall experience for this 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. Left side captures the Potomac River and Washington DC urban landscape during departure from DCA, with the National Mall, Capitol Building, and Arlington visible. Right side shows suburban Virginia and Maryland with less distinctive urban character. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument area, Arlington National Cemetery, Theodore Roosevelt Island.
What can I see when landing at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester?
When landing at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Merrimack River valley and New Hampshire's rolling terrain as the aircraft descends toward Manchester. Left side shows less distinctive features—primarily forested areas and suburban sprawl without major geographic landmarks. Notable sights include: Merrimack River, Manchester city center, White Mountains (distant), New Hampshire lakes region.
How long is the flight from Washington to Manchester?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 406 miles (654 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Manchester flight path pass over?
Delaware Bay and Delaware River estuary, New Jersey Pine Barrens, Connecticut River valley, Massachusetts-New Hampshire border region with transition from coastal plain to New England uplands