The left side wins on nearly every phase: Chesapeake Bay and Annapolis at departure, glimpses of the Atlantic coastline and barrier islands along the Carolinas and Georgia during cruise, and a Caribbean coastline approach with Isla Mujeres and Cancun's beaches at landing, versus the right side's largely featureless inland terrain and open Gulf water.
Flown BWI to CUN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Cancun is 1,391 miles (2,239 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses North Carolina's Sandhills and Piedmont region, the coastal lowlands near Savannah, Georgia, the lake-dotted interior of central Florida, then a long stretch over the open Gulf of Mexico north of Cuba before reaching the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle and Caribbean coast near Cancun.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
LEFTDeparting BWI southbound, the left side looks out over Chesapeake Bay almost immediately after liftoff, with the Bay Bridge and Annapolis waterfront visible below during the initial climb. The right side only shows Baltimore's flat suburban sprawl and rolling Piedmont farmland receding into haze.
Landing at CUN
LEFTOn approach into Cancun, the left side faces northeast toward the Caribbean, giving passengers a view of turquoise water, Isla Mujeres offshore, and the white beach strip of the Hotel Zone. The right side instead faces inland toward the flat jungle and Nichupte Lagoon, which is far less visually striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Cancun International (CUN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Cancun. The left side wins on nearly every phase: Chesapeake Bay and Annapolis at departure, glimpses of the Atlantic coastline and barrier islands along the Carolinas and Georgia during cruise, and a Caribbean coastline approach with Isla Mujeres and Cancun's beaches at landing, versus the right side's largely featureless inland terrain and open Gulf water.
What can I see during takeoff from Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
During takeoff from Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BWI southbound, the left side looks out over Chesapeake Bay almost immediately after liftoff, with the Bay Bridge and Annapolis waterfront visible below during the initial climb. The right side only shows Baltimore's flat suburban sprawl and rolling Piedmont farmland receding into haze. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Annapolis and the Maryland State House, Eastern Shore farmland.
What can I see when landing at Cancun International in Cancun?
When landing at Cancun International (CUN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Cancun, the left side faces northeast toward the Caribbean, giving passengers a view of turquoise water, Isla Mujeres offshore, and the white beach strip of the Hotel Zone. The right side instead faces inland toward the flat jungle and Nichupte Lagoon, which is far less visually striking. Notable sights include: Caribbean Sea turquoise waters, Isla Mujeres, Cancun Hotel Zone beach strip, Nichupte Lagoon.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Cancun?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Cancun International (CUN) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,391 miles (2,239 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Cancun flight path pass over?
The route crosses North Carolina's Sandhills and Piedmont region, the coastal lowlands near Savannah, Georgia, the lake-dotted interior of central Florida, then a long stretch over the open Gulf of Mexico north of Cuba before reaching the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle and Caribbean coast near Cancun.