DCA - Left Window or Right
 

After years of travel I'm finally flying into DCA next week (at night from BOS on DL)

I normally don't sit by the window but someone suggested that the view coming into DCA could be great. My question is left window or right.

Thanks

I'd suggest the left side of the plane, in the hope that they'd be landing on runway 19, which has the approach down the Potomac and a great view of DC from the left side.

Yes, left. Increases your chances of having a wonderful view of the city and the monuments.

Obviously, right when flying out.

At least half the time I flew into DCA we came up the Potomac. You either had a view of Alexandria or Maryland, and the Capitol bldg, monuments, etc. were waaay in front of you; no real view at all.

When we arrived from the north, we used to fly in over the capitol, and you had a good view of the buildings, Pentagon, etc. from the right side. I think they've restricted the approaches, now, so maybe the left side is the better side.

OTOH, I used to fly into BWI a lot, too (cheaper http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif ) and you saw nothing from there.

So, the bottom line is, if you're coming in from the north/west, you have a 50-50 chance of flying where you can see the buildings. I believe the left side is the best, but I haven't flown there since 9/11, so maybe somebody has more definite advice.

I always try and get the left side. For single seat on the AE RJ and the view of either VA or DC. Coming from the southern approach, if they hit it right, you can see Mt. Vernon and the George Washington Memorial (Mason). Coming in from the north, you see the Potomac, Georgetown, the National Catherdal, the Kennedy Center, the DC memorials on the Mall and then the 14th St Bridge. At night you should be able to see a lot. I have trips where they take you for a tour of DC out the left side for the approach onto 19 but I have not had that approach since 9/11. They used to fly the river coming from the north (due to noise constraints) but due to the security restrictions they cut corners now to stay father away from lining up with the White House-I used to enjoy the flying skills of the pilot in these circumstances-like driving a sports car on a windy road.