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IAH → BWI
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Appalachian mountain chain and the Shenandoah Valley as the plane approaches the mid-Atlantic region. It also provides a better angle for cityscapes if the flight path tracks slightly west of the DC corridor.
Lake Houston
Views of the sprawling suburbs and the dense pine forests of East Texas shortly after takeoff.
Mississippi River
A massive crossing of the continent's largest river system, usually near the Arkansas-Tennessee border.
Great Smoky Mountains
Stunning vistas of the rolling, hazy peaks of the Southern Appalachians during the mid-flight segment.
Shenandoah Valley
Dramatic views of the long, linear ridges and fertile valleys of Virginia as the descent begins.
Potomac River
Scenic views of the winding river that defines the border between Virginia and Maryland.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare and for evening flights to catch the sunset colors over the mountains. Keep a lookout about 20 minutes before landing for the distinct linear ridges of the Appalachian range.
Gulf Coastal Plain
Bird's-eye view of the bayous and wetlands extending toward the Gulf of Mexico in the early flight stages.
Mississippi Delta
Aerial perspective of the complex network of tributaries and marshlands in the lower Mississippi region.
Charlotte Metro
Potential views of the North Carolina urban landscape depending on the specific flight corridor.
James River
Watching the historic Virginia waterway meander toward the Atlantic coast.
Chesapeake Bay
Iconic views of the massive bay and its many inlets during the final approach into Baltimore.
The right side is ideal for spotting the Chesapeake Bay upon arrival. During morning flights, expect significant sunlight; window shades may be necessary. If the flight approaches BWI from the south, this side offers the best views of the Maryland coastline.
Distance: 1,986 km (1,234 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 39 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Route Type: Domestic
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