Right-side seats provide superior views on both legs: the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay during departure, and the Des Plaines River corridor during approach. The westbound routing ensures right-side visibility of major water features throughout the flight.
Flown BWI to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Chicago is 609 miles (981 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau (Pennsylvania/Ohio border region) at cruise altitude, where ridge-and-valley topography is visible but subtle at 30,000+ feet. The Ohio River appears as a thin line near the Indiana-Ohio border. Lake Michigan becomes visible 40-50 miles east of Midway during descent, appearing as a broad blue expanse on the horizon.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Patapsco River estuary and Inner Harbor as the aircraft climbs northwest from BWI's typical runway 10L/10R departure. The water features remain visible for several minutes during initial climb.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Des Plaines River and Chicago's western neighborhoods during approach to Midway's typical runway 31L/31R. The river and industrial corridor are prominent on descent.
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 Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Chicago. Right-side seats provide superior views on both legs: the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay during departure, and the Des Plaines River corridor during approach. The westbound routing ensures right-side visibility of major water features throughout 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. Right-side seats capture the Patapsco River estuary and Inner Harbor as the aircraft climbs northwest from BWI's typical runway 10L/10R departure. The water features remain visible for several minutes during initial climb. Notable sights include: Patapsco River estuary, Baltimore Inner Harbor, Chesapeake Bay (distant), Fort McHenry (small but identifiable).
What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Des Plaines River and Chicago's western neighborhoods during approach to Midway's typical runway 31L/31R. The river and industrial corridor are prominent on descent. Notable sights include: Des Plaines River, Chicago's southwest neighborhoods (Cicero, Berwyn), Midway Airport runways, industrial corridor along the river.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Chicago?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 609 miles (981 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau (Pennsylvania/Ohio border region) at cruise altitude, where ridge-and-valley topography is visible but subtle at 30,000+ feet. The Ohio River appears as a thin line near the Indiana-Ohio border. Lake Michigan becomes visible 40-50 miles east of Midway during descent, appearing as a broad blue expanse on the horizon.