While takeoff scenery favors the right side over New Orleans, the left side wins overall thanks to a possible glimpse of the Blue Ridge foothills near Virginia during descent and, more decisively, the iconic left-side monument views on the River Visual approach into DCA.
Flown MSY to DCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Washington is 969 miles (1,560 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Piedmont plateau of Georgia and the Carolinas, with the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains becoming visible to the northwest as the flight nears Virginia
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTDeparting MSY on runway 11, the aircraft climbs east over the New Orleans metro before curving north toward the East Coast route. Passengers on the right see the downtown New Orleans skyline, the Mississippi River bends, and Lake Pontchartrain opening up as the plane banks left onto its northeasterly course.
Landing at DCA
LEFTDCA's famous River Visual approach to runway 19 tracks south down the Potomac. As the aircraft descends past downtown Washington, the monuments and Capitol sit on the east bank of the river, which places them on the left side of the cabin during the final turn and landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Washington. While takeoff scenery favors the right side over New Orleans, the left side wins overall thanks to a possible glimpse of the Blue Ridge foothills near Virginia during descent and, more decisively, the iconic left-side monument views on the River Visual approach into DCA.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSY on runway 11, the aircraft climbs east over the New Orleans metro before curving north toward the East Coast route. Passengers on the right see the downtown New Orleans skyline, the Mississippi River bends, and Lake Pontchartrain opening up as the plane banks left onto its northeasterly course. Notable sights include: Mississippi River bends, New Orleans downtown skyline, Lake Pontchartrain, Superdome area.
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. DCA's famous River Visual approach to runway 19 tracks south down the Potomac. As the aircraft descends past downtown Washington, the monuments and Capitol sit on the east bank of the river, which places them on the left side of the cabin during the final turn and landing. Notable sights include: Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol dome, Potomac River, Reagan National's riverside runway.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Washington?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 969 miles (1,560 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Washington flight path pass over?
Piedmont plateau of Georgia and the Carolinas, with the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains becoming visible to the northwest as the flight nears Virginia