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FLL → BWI
Which side of the plane to sit from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (Fort Lauderdale) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a consistent view of the United States coastline, major historic cities, and an iconic aerial perspective of the Washington D.C. monuments during the final approach phase.
Florida Gold Coast
Immediate views of Fort Lauderdale's beaches and the intricate canal systems known as the Venice of America.
Kennedy Space Center
Visible as you climb north, look for the massive VAB building and launch pads at Cape Canaveral.
Charleston Peninsula
Spot the historic battery and the white steeples of Charleston, South Carolina, framed by the Cooper and Ashley Rivers.
Carolina Piedmont
A transition from coastal wetlands to the dense green forests and rolling hills of the inland South.
Richmond Skyline
As the flight crosses into Virginia, look for the James River winding through the capital city.
Washington D.C. Monuments
On clear days, the National Mall, Capitol Building, and Washington Monument are clearly visible during the descent.
Book a window seat on the left for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Appalachian foothills. During the descent into BWI, keep your camera ready for the D.C. skyline, which usually appears about 10-15 minutes before landing.
The Gulf Stream
The deep turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide a stark contrast to the shallower coastal shelves.
The Outer Banks
Look for the thin, fragile ribbons of sand including Cape Hatteras and Kitty Hawk stretching into the Atlantic.
Chesapeake Bay Entrance
Witness the massive span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and cargo ships heading toward Norfolk.
Eastern Shore Marshes
The intricate, labyrinthine waterways of the Delmarva Peninsula create stunning geometric patterns from above.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Just before landing, view the twin spans of the Sandy Point-Kent Island bridge crossing the heart of the bay.
Annapolis Waterfront
View the Maryland State House and the U.S. Naval Academy nestled in the Severn River harbor.
The right side is best for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun. It offers superior views of the Chesapeake Bay's geography, which is the defining feature of the Maryland landing. Look for the distinct color change where the bay meets the ocean.
Distance: 1,493 km (928 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min
Departure: FLL (26.072599, -80.152702)
Arrival: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Route Type: Domestic
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