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HOU → BWI
Which side of the plane to sit from William P Hobby Airport (Houston) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the dramatic Mississippi River bends, the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the striking ridges of the Shenandoah Valley before approaching the D.C. metro area.
Mississippi River Meanders
Watch the intricate loops and oxbow lakes of the mighty Mississippi River as you cross near the Vicksburg area.
Great Smoky Mountains
Aerial views of the misty blue ridges and dense forests of the nation's most visited national park in Tennessee.
Shenandoah Valley
The distinct linear ridges and patchworked farmland of the Appalachian Valley province stretching through Virginia.
Washington D.C. Skyline
On clear northern approaches, catch a glimpse of the Washington Monument and Capitol Building in the distance to the east.
Downtown Baltimore
Excellent views of the urban core and historic neighborhoods as the plane descends into BWI from the northwest.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you, providing better lighting for photography of the Appalachian ridges. Watch for the dramatic change from the flat Gulf Coastal Plain to the rugged Tennessee mountains roughly halfway through the flight. On the final descent, look for the Potomac River's sharp bends.
Southern Pine Forests
Expansive views of the dense timberlands and rolling hills across Alabama and Georgia.
Atlanta Metro Area
Often visible to the north, the sprawling suburban landscape and high-rises of the South's largest hub.
Chesapeake Bay
Breathtaking views of the world's largest estuary, its winding tributaries, and the iconic Bay Bridge.
Baltimore Inner Harbor
A close-up view of the historic ships, National Aquarium, and the industrial port as you touch down.
The right side is unbeatable during the final 10 minutes of flight. As the plane turns to align with BWI runways, you will likely see the sparkling waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the massive cargo ships in the Port of Baltimore. For evening flights, this side offers beautiful sunset reflections over the Atlantic coastal plain.
Distance: 2,003 km (1,245 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 40 min
Departure: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)
Arrival: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Route Type: Domestic
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