While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff from BWI offers more sustained scenic interest with the Chesapeake Bay estuary system. The right side also captures better views during the mid-flight portion over the Appalachian foothills and ridge systems of West Virginia and Kentucky.
Flown BWI to NBG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to New Orleans is 996 miles (1,603 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines and valleys in West Virginia and eastern Kentucky), the Ohio River valley near Cincinnati/Louisville area, and transitions into the Mississippi River valley. The Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee River valley are visible on the right side during mid-flight. As the aircraft descends into Louisiana, the terrain flattens dramatically into the Mississippi Delta and coastal plain with visible bayou systems and wetlands.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Patapsco River estuary and Chesapeake Bay as the aircraft climbs southwestward from BWI. The water features and surrounding marshlands are distinctive and visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at NBG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River and New Orleans' distinctive crescent-shaped geography during approach. The river's massive width and the city's layout along its curves are striking visual features during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to New Orleans Nas Jrb (NBG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to New Orleans. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff from BWI offers more sustained scenic interest with the Chesapeake Bay estuary system. The right side also captures better views during the mid-flight portion over the Appalachian foothills and ridge systems of West Virginia and Kentucky.
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 southwestward from BWI. The water features and surrounding marshlands are distinctive and visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Patapsco River estuary, Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore Harbor, Middle Patuxent River.
What can I see when landing at New Orleans Nas Jrb in New Orleans?
When landing at New Orleans Nas Jrb (NBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River and New Orleans' distinctive crescent-shaped geography during approach. The river's massive width and the city's layout along its curves are striking visual features during descent. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans crescent bend, Atchafalaya Basin.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to New Orleans?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to New Orleans Nas Jrb (NBG) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 996 miles (1,603 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines and valleys in West Virginia and eastern Kentucky), the Ohio River valley near Cincinnati/Louisville area, and transitions into the Mississippi River valley. The Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee River valley are visible on the right side during mid-flight. As the aircraft descends into Louisiana, the terrain flattens dramatically into the Mississippi Delta and coastal plain with visible bayou systems and wetlands.