While the right side offers a fleeting Manhattan glimpse at takeoff, the left side delivers sustained interest: Atlantic coastline and Chesapeake Bay views during cruise, capped by the iconic Potomac River Visual approach past the Washington Monument and Capitol.
Flight Path
New Jersey shoreline, Delaware Bay, Philadelphia and Wilmington from altitude, upper Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTDepartures off JFK heading south typically loop over Jamaica Bay and Coney Island before turning southwest, giving right-side passengers a brief but clear view of the lower Manhattan skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before the city falls away behind.
Landing at DCA
LEFTThe River Visual approach into DCA's Runway 19 tracks the Potomac River from the north, and with Washington DC on the river's east bank, left-side passengers get a close, unobstructed view of the National Mall and its monuments just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Washington. While the right side offers a fleeting Manhattan glimpse at takeoff, the left side delivers sustained interest: Atlantic coastline and Chesapeake Bay views during cruise, capped by the iconic Potomac River Visual approach past the Washington Monument and Capitol.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures off JFK heading south typically loop over Jamaica Bay and Coney Island before turning southwest, giving right-side passengers a brief but clear view of the lower Manhattan skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before the city falls away behind. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Coney Island, Rockaway Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
When landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. The River Visual approach into DCA's Runway 19 tracks the Potomac River from the north, and with Washington DC on the river's east bank, left-side passengers get a close, unobstructed view of the National Mall and its monuments just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol dome, National Mall, Georgetown waterfront.
How long is the flight from New York to Washington?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes 1h 25m.
What does the New York to Washington flight path pass over?
New Jersey shoreline, Delaware Bay, Philadelphia and Wilmington from altitude, upper Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore