Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Washington. Right side captures the Sierra de Guadarrama on departure, which is the most dramatic natural feature visible on this route. The landing approach favors left, but the takeoff scenery is more visually distinctive.

During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range immediately north of Madrid during the northeastward climb-out. Left side faces the flat Meseta plateau with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (north), Madrid city sprawl (south and west), Tagus River valley (southwest), Alcalá de Henares urban area (east).

When landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Potomac River and Washington Monument area during the final approach from the west. The aircraft descends over northern Virginia's Piedmont terrain before crossing the river into the capital. Notable sights include: Potomac River (central), Washington Monument and National Mall (east), Arlington County urban area (south), Shenandoah Valley foothills (west on horizon).

The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes Approximately 9 hours 15 minutes.

The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6 hours with no visible landmarks. Over the ocean, passengers may see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge area (not visible at surface), but the primary interest is the eastern seaboard approach. Notable features include the Appalachian Mountains visible on descent into Washington (Blue Ridge Mountains visible on the western horizon during final approach), and the Atlantic coastline of the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states during the descent phase over land.