The right side wins across all phases: Baltimore's skyline at takeoff, the Appalachians, Rockies, and Colorado Plateau visible during cruise, and the San Gabriel Mountains with the San Fernando Valley on approach. The left side is dominated by flatter plains and less distinctive terrain for most of the flight.
Flown BWI to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Los Angeles is 2,324 miles (3,740 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
Appalachian ridgelines over West Virginia and Kentucky, the Great Plains of Kansas and eastern Colorado, and the southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-New Mexico border
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTDeparting west from BWI, the initial turn and climb put Baltimore's Inner Harbor, downtown skyline, and the Patapsco River on the right side of the aircraft. The left side shows mostly flat Maryland suburbs and farmland with little to distinguish it.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the descent into LAX from the east, the right side offers views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Fernando Valley before the aircraft turns toward the coast. The left side mostly shows the flatter South Bay and industrial areas with less topographic interest.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Los Angeles. The right side wins across all phases: Baltimore's skyline at takeoff, the Appalachians, Rockies, and Colorado Plateau visible during cruise, and the San Gabriel Mountains with the San Fernando Valley on approach. The left side is dominated by flatter plains and less distinctive terrain for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
During takeoff from Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing west from BWI, the initial turn and climb put Baltimore's Inner Harbor, downtown skyline, and the Patapsco River on the right side of the aircraft. The left side shows mostly flat Maryland suburbs and farmland with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Baltimore Inner Harbor, downtown Baltimore skyline, Patapsco River.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into LAX from the east, the right side offers views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Fernando Valley before the aircraft turns toward the coast. The left side mostly shows the flatter South Bay and industrial areas with less topographic interest. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific coastline near Santa Monica Bay.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Los Angeles?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,324 miles (3,740 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridgelines over West Virginia and Kentucky, the Great Plains of Kansas and eastern Colorado, and the southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-New Mexico border