About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Washington. The left side wins overall due to the exceptional River Visual approach into DCA, which is one of the most dramatic and landmark-rich approaches in US commercial aviation. While the right side has the better Chicago departure view, the left side's approach over the Potomac with the monuments in plain sight edges it out for the full experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. ORD typically departs eastward on runways 10/28 or 9R/27L. A right-side seat during an eastbound departure gives you a clear view south over downtown Chicago, the lakefront, and the full sweep of Lake Michigan. You'll see the city grid, Grant Park, and the skyline pulling away as you climb. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Chicago River grid.
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 sits on the west bank of the Potomac River, and aircraft typically approach from the north or northwest on the River Visual approach to runway 19. A left-side seat gives you the best view of the Potomac River, the National Mall, and the monuments as you descend. The approach literally tracks the river southbound, putting the monuments directly on your left. Notable sights include: Potomac River, National Mall and monuments (Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial), Arlington National Cemetery, Pentagon.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Washington?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What does the Chicago to Washington flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast across northern Indiana, then Ohio, clipping the northern edge of West Virginia before entering Virginia. Notable features include Lake Erie visible to the north during the Ohio segment, the flat agricultural patchwork of Indiana and Ohio, the Appalachian ridgelines of the Allegheny Mountains visible as parallel northeast-southwest trending ridges in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley before the descent into the DC area.