While the Baltimore harbor view at takeoff is a nice start, the right side wins overall because it offers a scenic landing sequence over Orlando's skyline and the Disney lakes, giving passengers a second distinct visual highlight that the left side lacks during the largely flat, featureless cruise over the Southeast interior.
Flown BWI to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Orlando is 789 miles (1,269 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses the rolling Piedmont of Virginia and North Carolina, the sandy hill country of South Carolina, and the pine flatwoods of southern Georgia, with occasional glimpses of rivers like the James and Savannah before the terrain flattens into the lake-studded landscape of central Florida near the Ocala National Forest.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
LEFTClimbing out of BWI toward the south, the left side offers a clear look back at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the Patapsco River widening into the upper Chesapeake Bay, and the Francis Scott Key Bridge area. It's a brief but genuinely scenic urban-waterway view before the flat Piedmont countryside takes over.
Landing at MCO
RIGHTOn the south-flow approach into MCO, the aircraft continues south past Orlando, putting the downtown skyline and the lakes of Walt Disney World off to the right. Passengers can pick out Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon nestled among green Florida flatlands before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Orlando. While the Baltimore harbor view at takeoff is a nice start, the right side wins overall because it offers a scenic landing sequence over Orlando's skyline and the Disney lakes, giving passengers a second distinct visual highlight that the left side lacks during the largely flat, featureless cruise over the Southeast interior.
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. Climbing out of BWI toward the south, the left side offers a clear look back at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the Patapsco River widening into the upper Chesapeake Bay, and the Francis Scott Key Bridge area. It's a brief but genuinely scenic urban-waterway view before the flat Piedmont countryside takes over. Notable sights include: Baltimore Inner Harbor, Patapsco River, Chesapeake Bay, Francis Scott Key Bridge area.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the south-flow approach into MCO, the aircraft continues south past Orlando, putting the downtown skyline and the lakes of Walt Disney World off to the right. Passengers can pick out Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon nestled among green Florida flatlands before touchdown. Notable sights include: Downtown Orlando skyline, Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, central Florida lake-dotted flatlands.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Orlando?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 789 miles (1,269 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Orlando flight path pass over?
The route crosses the rolling Piedmont of Virginia and North Carolina, the sandy hill country of South Carolina, and the pine flatwoods of southern Georgia, with occasional glimpses of rivers like the James and Savannah before the terrain flattens into the lake-studded landscape of central Florida near the Ocala National Forest.