While takeoff offers a brief coastal glimpse on the right, the left side wins overall thanks to the iconic Potomac River approach into DCA, which showcases Washington's monuments in a way few U.S. airports can match.
Flown MCO to DCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Washington is 761 miles (1,224 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Flat coastal plain and pine forests of Georgia and the Carolinas, with occasional river valleys such as the Savannah River, but no major mountain or coastal features directly on this inland route
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
RIGHTMCO's north-flow departures climb out over central Florida then curve northeast toward the Atlantic coast, giving right-side passengers a brief glimpse of the Space Coast and Atlantic shoreline near Cape Canaveral before the route turns inland.
Landing at DCA
LEFTThe River Visual approach to Runway 19 tracks south along the Potomac River, and left-side passengers get the classic view of downtown Washington—the Capitol dome, Washington Monument, and the Mall—just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Washington. While takeoff offers a brief coastal glimpse on the right, the left side wins overall thanks to the iconic Potomac River approach into DCA, which showcases Washington's monuments in a way few U.S. airports can match.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. MCO's north-flow departures climb out over central Florida then curve northeast toward the Atlantic coast, giving right-side passengers a brief glimpse of the Space Coast and Atlantic shoreline near Cape Canaveral before the route turns inland. Notable sights include: Central Florida lakes, Atlantic coastline near Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center launch complexes.
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 to Runway 19 tracks south along the Potomac River, and left-side passengers get the classic view of downtown Washington—the Capitol dome, Washington Monument, and the Mall—just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol dome, National Mall.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Washington?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 761 miles (1,224 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Washington flight path pass over?
Flat coastal plain and pine forests of Georgia and the Carolinas, with occasional river valleys such as the Savannah River, but no major mountain or coastal features directly on this inland route