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DEN → BWI
Which side of the plane to sit from Denver International Airport (Denver) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the best lighting conditions for photography as the sun remains to the south. It provides excellent views of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and a superior angle for the Baltimore skyline and harbor during the final approach into BWI.
Denver Skyline
Looking back after takeoff, catch a glimpse of the Mile High City and the sprawling Front Range mountains.
Missouri River
Watch the winding curves of the Missouri River as it snake through the Great Plains toward St. Louis.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
Depending on the specific flight path, the iconic silver arch is often visible as you cross the Mississippi River.
Appalachian Ridges
Dense forest canopies and the distinct parallel ridge-and-valley formations of West Virginia and Maryland.
Baltimore Inner Harbor
During the descent, enjoy bird's-eye views of the historic harbor, National Aquarium, and the downtown skyline.
M&T Bank Stadium
As the plane banks for landing, the home of the Ravens and Camden Yards often come into clear view.
Book a window seat on the left (Port) side to avoid direct sunlight and glare while flying eastward. The best scenery occurs in the first 20 minutes (Plains) and the final 30 minutes (Appalachians and Maryland). In autumn, the Appalachian stretch offers spectacular fall foliage colors. For the best view of the Baltimore city center, hope for a landing on Runway 33L.
Kansas Wheat Fields
The geometric beauty of center-pivot irrigation circles creates a unique quilt-like pattern across the landscape.
Mississippi Confluence
Look for the massive scale of the water systems where the major Midwestern rivers join.
Monongahela Forest
Vast stretches of untouched wilderness and rolling mountains throughout the eastern panhandle.
D.C. Distant Horizon
On a clear day, the Washington Monument and Capitol building can sometimes be spotted in the distance to the south.
Chesapeake Bay
Beautiful views of the bay's western shore and the many inlets that define the Maryland coastline.
Be prepared for significant sun glare during morning and afternoon flights as the sun will be on this side of the aircraft. This side is excellent for seeing the expansive geography of the Ohio River Valley. Keep your eyes peeled during the final approach; if the flight patterns are congested, you may loop south, providing a closer look at the Potomac River and the outskirts of the D.C. metro area.
Distance: 2,394 km (1,488 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 12 min
Departure: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Arrival: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Route Type: Domestic
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