The left side wins on both ends of this short, flat-terrain flight thanks to brief but genuine urban views of Baltimore's harbor at takeoff and Detroit's skyline along the river at landing, while cruise offers nothing notable either side.
Flown BWI to DTW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Detroit is 408 miles (657 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Flat farmland and low rolling hills of Pennsylvania and Ohio, with no major rivers or mountains along the direct route
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
LEFTDeparting BWI on runway 10/28, a left-side seat offers views of Baltimore's harbor, downtown skyline, and the Patapsco River as the aircraft climbs and turns toward the northwest. It's a brief but genuine urban glimpse before leveling off over flat Maryland/Pennsylvania farmland.
Landing at DTW
LEFTOn approach to DTW from the southwest under typical northerly wind conditions using runway 22, left-side passengers get a look at Detroit's downtown skyline and the Detroit River separating the US from Windsor, Ontario, before the turn onto final over flat farmland. The right side mostly sees featureless exurban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Detroit. The left side wins on both ends of this short, flat-terrain flight thanks to brief but genuine urban views of Baltimore's harbor at takeoff and Detroit's skyline along the river at landing, while cruise offers nothing notable either side.
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 on runway 10/28, a left-side seat offers views of Baltimore's harbor, downtown skyline, and the Patapsco River as the aircraft climbs and turns toward the northwest. It's a brief but genuine urban glimpse before leveling off over flat Maryland/Pennsylvania farmland. Notable sights include: Baltimore Inner Harbor, Downtown Baltimore skyline, Patapsco River.
What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to DTW from the southwest under typical northerly wind conditions using runway 22, left-side passengers get a look at Detroit's downtown skyline and the Detroit River separating the US from Windsor, Ontario, before the turn onto final over flat farmland. The right side mostly sees featureless exurban sprawl. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Windsor Ontario across the river.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Detroit?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 408 miles (657 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Detroit flight path pass over?
Flat farmland and low rolling hills of Pennsylvania and Ohio, with no major rivers or mountains along the direct route