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BWI → STL
Which side of the plane to sit from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore) to St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the scenic Potomac River valley shortly after takeoff and offers the most reliable views of the Gateway Arch during the standard approach into St. Louis.
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Potomac River Valley
Aerial views of the winding river border between Maryland and Virginia during the initial ascent.
Appalachian Ridges
Direct views of the Monongahela National Forest's lush, rolling mountain waves in West Virginia.
The Ohio River
Crosses the massive waterway near the tri-state area of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
The iconic stainless steel monument is typically visible to the south when the plane aligns for landing from the east.
For the best lighting, choose the left side on morning flights to avoid direct afternoon sun glare. When approaching St. Louis Lambert (STL), the pilot often follows a path that puts the Gateway Arch and downtown skyline directly out of the left-side windows. Keep an eye out about 10-15 minutes before touchdown for the best city views.
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Baltimore Suburbs
Expansive views of the Maryland countryside and the outskirts of the D.C. metro area.
Allegheny Plateau
Rugged forested terrain and deep valleys of the northern Appalachian range.
Midwestern Cities
Frequent sightings of Columbus, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana depending on the specific flight corridor.
Agricultural Patchwork
The classic geometric 'quilt' of the American Midwest farmlands throughout Indiana and Illinois.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. On clear days, you can see the expansive grid patterns of the Midwest. Look out for the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers just north of St. Louis shortly before landing if the flight takes a northern arrival path.
Book Hotels in St. LouisDistance: 1,184 km (736 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Route Type: Domestic
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