The right side captures the most distinctive scenery on this route: Baltimore's harbor at departure, a stretch of Appalachian foothill terrain during climb, and the dramatic Lake Pontchartrain crossing with the New Orleans skyline on arrival. The left side, facing the Atlantic coastal plain and Gulf marshlands, is comparatively flat and repetitive.
Flown BWI to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to New Orleans is 998 miles (1,607 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Rolling Piedmont and foothill terrain of Virginia giving way to the flat coastal plains of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama before the Gulf Coast marshlands near Louisiana.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTDeparting BWI to the southwest, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Baltimore's harbor and downtown skyline before the aircraft climbs over the rolling Piedmont terrain toward the Blue Ridge foothills. The left side mostly shows flat Maryland farmland with little contrast.

Landing at MSY
RIGHTOn approach into MSY from the north, the right side typically faces the causeway crossing Lake Pontchartrain and the New Orleans skyline near the lakefront, offering a distinctive water-and-city view rarely seen on flat inland routes. The left side mostly shows marshland with fewer defined features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to New Orleans. The right side captures the most distinctive scenery on this route: Baltimore's harbor at departure, a stretch of Appalachian foothill terrain during climb, and the dramatic Lake Pontchartrain crossing with the New Orleans skyline on arrival. The left side, facing the Atlantic coastal plain and Gulf marshlands, is comparatively flat and repetitive.
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 BWI to the southwest, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Baltimore's harbor and downtown skyline before the aircraft climbs over the rolling Piedmont terrain toward the Blue Ridge foothills. The left side mostly shows flat Maryland farmland with little contrast. Notable sights include: Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore skyline, Patapsco River valley.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into MSY from the north, the right side typically faces the causeway crossing Lake Pontchartrain and the New Orleans skyline near the lakefront, offering a distinctive water-and-city view rarely seen on flat inland routes. The left side mostly shows marshland with fewer defined features. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, New Orleans skyline, Mississippi River bends.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to New Orleans?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 998 miles (1,607 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to New Orleans flight path pass over?
Rolling Piedmont and foothill terrain of Virginia giving way to the flat coastal plains of the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama before the Gulf Coast marshlands near Louisiana.