The left side wins on both ends: a rare glimpse of Pittsburgh's river confluence at takeoff and, more decisively, the iconic Washington D.C. monuments during the River Visual approach into DCA.
Flown PIT to DCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Washington is 204 miles (329 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Forested ridges of the Allegheny Plateau and the Appalachian foothills of south-central Pennsylvania and western Maryland, including the Laurel Highlands
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
LEFTDeparting PIT to the west then turning southeast toward DCA, the left side offers a look back at Pittsburgh's distinctive Golden Triangle where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio. It's a brief but recognizable urban river-confluence view rarely seen elsewhere.
Landing at DCA
LEFTOn the River Visual approach to Runway 19, the aircraft tracks south along the Potomac, and the National Mall, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol dome sit on the eastern bank, which falls on the left side of the aircraft as it descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Washington. The left side wins on both ends: a rare glimpse of Pittsburgh's river confluence at takeoff and, more decisively, the iconic Washington D.C. monuments during the River Visual approach into DCA.
What can I see during takeoff from Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PIT to the west then turning southeast toward DCA, the left side offers a look back at Pittsburgh's distinctive Golden Triangle where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio. It's a brief but recognizable urban river-confluence view rarely seen elsewhere. Notable sights include: Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle, Allegheny and Monongahela River confluence, downtown skyline, Mount Washington overlook ridge.
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. On the River Visual approach to Runway 19, the aircraft tracks south along the Potomac, and the National Mall, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol dome sit on the eastern bank, which falls on the left side of the aircraft as it descends. Notable sights include: Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol dome, Potomac River bends near Roosevelt Island.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Washington?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 204 miles (329 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to Washington flight path pass over?
Forested ridges of the Allegheny Plateau and the Appalachian foothills of south-central Pennsylvania and western Maryland, including the Laurel Highlands