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TPA destination photo
BWI destination photo

TPABWI

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🐊

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏖️

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.

Top Activities in Baltimore
Route Information

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

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