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BWI → AUS
Which side of the plane to sit from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore) to Austin Bergstrom International Airport (Austin)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most consistent landmarks, including the best views of the Shenandoah Valley, the Mississippi River crossing, and a higher probability of seeing the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake during the final descent.
Shenandoah National Park
Aerial views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont shortly after departure.
Tennessee River
Dramatic views of the river's winding path as the flight crosses over the Tennessee Valley.
The Mississippi River
A clear view of the nation's largest river, often crossing near the Memphis area with its industrial hubs and bridges.
Ouachita National Forest
The unique east-west oriented ridges of the Arkansas mountains provide a textured landscape below.
Austin Skyline
On the standard 'ILS' approach into AUS, this side typically offers a stunning view of the growing downtown skyline and the Colorado River.
Book a window seat behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the Mississippi River. On late afternoon flights, expect significant sun glare as you head southwest; keep your window shade partially closed until the sun dips lower.
Appalachian Plateau
The rugged, dissected terrain of West Virginia, known for its deep valleys and dense forest cover.
Kentucky Bluegrass Region
Vibrant green landscapes and the patterns of horse farms visible in the central Kentucky area.
The Ozarks
The northern edge of the Ozark Plateau in Missouri and Arkansas, featuring limestone bluffs and clear lakes.
Texas Lake Country
Views of large reservoirs like Lake Wright Patman or Lake Fork as the flight enters northeast Texas.
The right side is the 'cool' side for afternoon flights, as it faces north away from the direct sun. This makes it much easier to take photos of the Ozark Plateau and the transition into the Texas prairie without interior cabin reflections.
Distance: 2,157 km (1,340 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 53 min
Departure: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Arrival: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)
Route Type: Domestic
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