The left side wins narrowly thanks to the Baltimore skyline at departure and southward views of the Allegheny ridgelines over Pennsylvania and West Virginia during cruise, giving more textured terrain than the flatter northern route seen from the right.
Flown BWI to GRR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Grand Rapids is 527 miles (849 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Allegheny Mountains and ridge-valley terrain of central Pennsylvania, followed by the flatter farmland of eastern Ohio and southern Michigan
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
LEFTDeparting BWI to the northwest, the left side offers a brief glimpse of Baltimore's downtown skyline and harbor before the climb turns inland toward the ridge-and-valley terrain of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Landing at GRR
LEFTOn approach to GRR from the east, the left side (facing south) may catch glimpses of rolling Michigan farmland and river valleys as the aircraft lines up for a westward landing, while the right side mostly shows flat, featureless fields.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Gerald R Ford International (GRR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Grand Rapids. The left side wins narrowly thanks to the Baltimore skyline at departure and southward views of the Allegheny ridgelines over Pennsylvania and West Virginia during cruise, giving more textured terrain than the flatter northern route seen from the right.
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 to the northwest, the left side offers a brief glimpse of Baltimore's downtown skyline and harbor before the climb turns inland toward the ridge-and-valley terrain of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Notable sights include: Baltimore Inner Harbor, Patapsco River, distant Chesapeake Bay, rolling Piedmont hills.
What can I see when landing at Gerald R Ford International in Grand Rapids?
When landing at Gerald R Ford International (GRR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to GRR from the east, the left side (facing south) may catch glimpses of rolling Michigan farmland and river valleys as the aircraft lines up for a westward landing, while the right side mostly shows flat, featureless fields. Notable sights include: Grand River valley, patchwork farmland, wooded river bends near Grand Rapids.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Grand Rapids?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Gerald R Ford International (GRR) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 527 miles (849 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Grand Rapids flight path pass over?
Allegheny Mountains and ridge-valley terrain of central Pennsylvania, followed by the flatter farmland of eastern Ohio and southern Michigan