Right-side seats capture the Chesapeake Bay estuary on departure and offer better views during the midpoint crossing of Pennsylvania and Ohio. While left wins on landing, the takeoff scenery is more visually distinctive and sustained.
Flown BWI to MKE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Milwaukee is 640 miles (1,029 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau region of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Notable features include the ridges and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains (visible as parallel linear features running northeast-southwest), the Ohio River valley in southern Ohio, and scattered reservoirs and lakes throughout the region. The terrain transitions from the Chesapeake lowlands to rolling forested hills, then flattens toward the Great Lakes basin. Lake Erie's southern shore becomes visible in the final 30 minutes of flight as the aircraft approaches Milwaukee.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Patapsco River estuary and Chesapeake Bay as the aircraft climbs northwest out of BWI. The water features are distinctive and visible for the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at MKE
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of Lake Michigan and Milwaukee's downtown waterfront during the descent and approach. The lake's massive expanse and the city's position on its western shore are striking visual landmarks.
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 General Mitchell International (MKE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Milwaukee. Right-side seats capture the Chesapeake Bay estuary on departure and offer better views during the midpoint crossing of Pennsylvania and Ohio. While left wins on landing, the takeoff scenery is more visually distinctive and sustained.
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 offer views of the Patapsco River estuary and Chesapeake Bay as the aircraft climbs northwest out of BWI. The water features are distinctive and visible for the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Patapsco River estuary, Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore Harbor, Patuxent River to the south.
What can I see when landing at General Mitchell International in Milwaukee?
When landing at General Mitchell International (MKE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of Lake Michigan and Milwaukee's downtown waterfront during the descent and approach. The lake's massive expanse and the city's position on its western shore are striking visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Milwaukee downtown and harbor, Menominee River, suburban Milwaukee sprawl.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Milwaukee?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to General Mitchell International (MKE) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 640 miles (1,029 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Milwaukee flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau region of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Notable features include the ridges and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains (visible as parallel linear features running northeast-southwest), the Ohio River valley in southern Ohio, and scattered reservoirs and lakes throughout the region. The terrain transitions from the Chesapeake lowlands to rolling forested hills, then flattens toward the Great Lakes basin. Lake Erie's southern shore becomes visible in the final 30 minutes of flight as the aircraft approaches Milwaukee.