Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Reykjavik. Left side captures the dramatic departure from the Potomac River valley and provides the superior landing view over Iceland's volcanic landscape and Faxaflói Bay. The midpoint crossing offers less distinction between sides over the North Atlantic.

During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. DCA typically departs eastbound (Runway 01/19 operations favor eastbound departures). Right-side seats offer views of the Potomac River's northern bend and Arlington, Virginia immediately after liftoff, with the Anacostia River visible to the left as you climb. Notable sights include: Potomac River (immediate right, snaking northeast), Arlington National Cemetery and Pentagon (right side, distinctive rectangular building visible), Anacostia River confluence (left), Washington Monument and Capitol Building (visible briefly behind as you climb eastbound).

When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Reykjavik from the southeast (typical approach), left-side seats provide views of Iceland's southwestern coast, including the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive lava fields and the approach over Faxaflói Bay. The city itself becomes visible on final approach from the left. Notable sights include: Faxaflói Bay (water body, left side during descent), Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark, textured terrain on left), Mount Esja (mountain backdrop north of Reykjavik, visible on horizon), Reykjavik city center (visible on left during final approach).

The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes Approximately 5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's southern tip (not visible—too far north and beyond typical cruise altitude visibility). Notable waypoints include the continental shelf edge east of Newfoundland, open ocean for the majority of the crossing, and approach to Iceland's southeast coast. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge lies beneath the flight path but is not visible from altitude. Approaching Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain becomes the first major landfall, followed by the approach to Keflavík International Airport area before diverting to Reykjavik.