Loading map...
TPA → BWI
Which side of the plane to sit from Tampa International Airport (Tampa) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the scenic approach into the Mid-Atlantic, often featuring a stunning aerial perspective of the Washington D.C. skyline and the winding Potomac River.
Florida Nature Coast
View the intricate network of marshlands and rivers north of Tampa, including the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.
Piedmont Plateau
The transition from the coastal plains to the rolling hills of the Carolinas and Virginia provides a textured landscape view.
Washington D.C. Skyline
On many approach paths to BWI, the left side offers a clear view of the National Mall, the Capitol, and the Washington Monument.
Northern Virginia Suburbs
Dense urban planning and the distinctive Pentagon building are often visible during the descent phase.
Sit behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the capital. This side is particularly spectacular during sunset flights when the sun reflects off the Potomac River. Note that D.C. visibility depends on the specific approach pattern assigned by ATC, but the left side is historically the best bet for city sightings.
Atlantic Coastline
Glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean and the sandy barrier islands of the Eastern Seaboard throughout the mid-flight.
The Outer Banks
On clear days, the thin, curved strip of North Carolina's barrier islands is visible in the distance to the east.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge
The massive dual-span bridge connecting Sandy Point to Kent Island is a major landmark just before touchdown.
Annapolis Waterfront
View the historic capital of Maryland and the United States Naval Academy nestled along the Severn River.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Watch for the 'V' shape of the Chesapeake Bay as you cross from Virginia into Maryland. In the winter months, look for frozen patches along the northern edges of the bay which create unique geometric patterns from above.
Distance: 1,358 km (844 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min
Departure: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)
Arrival: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.