Right side wins for both takeoff and landing phases. The transatlantic routing means the aircraft departs northwest over the North Sea, then crosses the Atlantic on a great-circle route that keeps Greenland and the Canadian Maritimes to the north. On descent into BWI, the right side captures the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac estuary, the most visually distinctive features of the approach corridor.
Flight Path
Over the Atlantic, the flight path crosses the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visible at surface level but relevant to ocean bathymetry). Depending on routing, the aircraft may pass south of Greenland and north of Iceland. The southern tip of Greenland and the Labrador coast become visible during the western portion of the flight. The Canadian Maritimes (Nova Scotia, Bay of Fundy) appear as the aircraft approaches North American airspace. The flight then descends over the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and Maryland before reaching the Chesapeake Bay region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTRight side offers views of the North Sea coast and the Dutch coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward over the water before turning transatlantic. Left side shows only flat inland Netherlands polder landscape.
Landing at BWI
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River estuary, and the Washington DC metropolitan area during descent into BWI. Left side shows only inland Maryland and Pennsylvania terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Baltimore. Right side wins for both takeoff and landing phases. The transatlantic routing means the aircraft departs northwest over the North Sea, then crosses the Atlantic on a great-circle route that keeps Greenland and the Canadian Maritimes to the north. On descent into BWI, the right side captures the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac estuary, the most visually distinctive features of the approach corridor.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the North Sea coast and the Dutch coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward over the water before turning transatlantic. Left side shows only flat inland Netherlands polder landscape. Notable sights include: North Sea, Dutch coastline near Zandvoort, Schiphol's surrounding canal network, IJsselmeer lake to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
When landing at Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River estuary, and the Washington DC metropolitan area during descent into BWI. Left side shows only inland Maryland and Pennsylvania terrain. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, Washington DC urban sprawl, Patuxent River.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Baltimore?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes Approximately 7.5 to 8 hours.
What does the Amsterdam to Baltimore flight path pass over?
Over the Atlantic, the flight path crosses the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visible at surface level but relevant to ocean bathymetry). Depending on routing, the aircraft may pass south of Greenland and north of Iceland. The southern tip of Greenland and the Labrador coast become visible during the western portion of the flight. The Canadian Maritimes (Nova Scotia, Bay of Fundy) appear as the aircraft approaches North American airspace. The flight then descends over the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and Maryland before reaching the Chesapeake Bay region.