Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Norfolk. Takeoff views from the right side are substantially more interesting than landing views from either side. The Potomac River and Washington D.C. urban landscape during climb-out provide more distinctive geography than the relatively flat approach into Norfolk.

During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Potomac River's distinctive meander as it flows southeast from the capital, plus the urban grid of Washington D.C. itself during initial climb. Left side faces inland toward Maryland with fewer visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument and Capitol Building area, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Arlington National Cemetery.

When landing at Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads waterway as you descend into Norfolk. The river's branching channels and the naval presence at Naval Station Norfolk are distinctive from altitude. Right side faces less visually interesting inland terrain. Notable sights include: Elizabeth River, Hampton Roads, Naval Station Norfolk, Chesapeake Bay entrance.

The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Norfolk International (ORF) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path travels southeast across Virginia's Tidewater region. Notable features include the Rappahannock River valley (visible around 30 minutes into flight), the York River drainage system, and the transition from inland Virginia pine forests to the coastal plain. The James River estuary becomes visible in the final 20 minutes of descent. Throughout, the terrain is predominantly flat with increasing water features as you approach the Chesapeake Bay system.