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SDF → BWI
Which side of the plane to sit from Louisville International Standiford Field (Louisville) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of the Ohio River upon departure and the scenic confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers during the descent into the Chesapeake region.
Louisville Skyline
Aerial views of downtown Louisville and the bridges crossing the Ohio River immediately following takeoff.
Monongahela Forest
Deep green expanses and rugged terrain of the Appalachian plateaus across West Virginia.
Harpers Ferry
The historic meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers cutting through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Maryland Piedmont
The transition from mountain ridges to the neatly patterned horse farms and rolling hills of Maryland.
Baltimore Suburbs
Dense suburban landscapes and the Patapsco River valley as the flight enters the BWI landing pattern.
Sit on the left to avoid the harshest sun glare during morning flights heading east. Keep your camera ready about 40 minutes into the flight for the best mountain ridge photography. During the winter, the snow-capped Appalachian ridges are particularly striking from this side.
Bluegrass Country
Views of the famous Kentucky horse farm estates and rolling limestone landscapes east of Louisville.
Charleston, WV
Look for the gold-domed state capitol building nestled in the Kanawha River valley.
Shenandoah Valley
The long, parallel ridges of the Massanutten Mountain and the vast Shenandoah National Park.
Dulles Corridor
In the distance, the sprawling suburban developments and data centers of Northern Virginia.
Chesapeake Bay
On final approach, if the plane circles south, you can see the shimmering waters of the upper Chesapeake.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset colors reflecting off the Appalachian ridges. If the flight path takes a southerly arrival route, you may see the outskirts of Washington D.C. in the distance. Watch for the distinct 'V' shaped valleys that characterize the Appalachian Fold.
Distance: 795 km (494 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min
Departure: SDF (38.1744, -85.736)
Arrival: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Route Type: Domestic
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