About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Zurich. Left side wins both ends of the flight. The DC departure gives you the iconic monument views over the Potomac, and the Zurich arrival delivers Lake Zurich and the Alpine horizon. During the transatlantic cruise, left-side seats also face south, giving a slightly better angle toward the North Atlantic coastlines of Ireland and southern England during the early portion of the flight.
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. DCA's primary departure runway is 01 (heading north), and left-side seats face west toward the Potomac River and the DC monuments. You get a clear view of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Mall as the aircraft banks right after takeoff over the river. The Capitol and National Mall stretch out in a straight line that's unmistakable from low altitude. Notable sights include: Washington Monument and National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Potomac River, Arlington Memorial Bridge, Georgetown waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich Airport's most common landing approach is runway 14 (heading southeast) or runway 28 (heading west). On the standard approach from the northwest, left-side seats get views over Lake Zurich and the city. The Alps are visible to the south as a dramatic snow-capped wall on the horizon, and Lake Zurich's elongated shape is clearly identifiable on descent. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Zurich city center and old town, Swiss Alps on the southern horizon, Rhine valley.
How long is the flight from Washington to Zurich?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Zurich (ZRH) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What does the Washington to Zurich flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from DC over New England, then crosses the North Atlantic near Newfoundland and the Grand Banks. Mid-ocean the route passes south of Greenland's ice cap. On the European side, the aircraft crosses southern Ireland and England, then Belgium or northern France before descending into Switzerland. The English Channel and Thames Estuary are often visible on clear days during the descent phase.