The right side captures the only real urban and water features of this flight — Baltimore's harbor at departure and Chicago's skyline with Lake Michigan at arrival — while the left side offers mostly flat Appalachian foothills and Midwest farmland with no comparable landmarks.
Flight Path
Low ridges of the Allegheny/Appalachian range in western Maryland and Pennsylvania, followed by the flat farmland of Ohio and Indiana for the bulk of the cruise.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTDeparting BWI on a westbound climb, the Baltimore skyline, harbor, and the mouth of the Patapsco River are visible off the north side of the aircraft, giving a brief but genuine urban/waterway view before the plane turns west over Maryland farmland.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArrivals into ORD from the east frequently cross Lake Michigan before turning onto a westbound final approach, putting the Chicago skyline and the lake shoreline squarely on the north side of the aircraft during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Chicago. The right side captures the only real urban and water features of this flight — Baltimore's harbor at departure and Chicago's skyline with Lake Michigan at arrival — while the left side offers mostly flat Appalachian foothills and Midwest farmland with no comparable landmarks.
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 on a westbound climb, the Baltimore skyline, harbor, and the mouth of the Patapsco River are visible off the north side of the aircraft, giving a brief but genuine urban/waterway view before the plane turns west over Maryland farmland. Notable sights include: Baltimore Inner Harbor, Patapsco River, downtown Baltimore skyline.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into ORD from the east frequently cross Lake Michigan before turning onto a westbound final approach, putting the Chicago skyline and the lake shoreline squarely on the north side of the aircraft during descent. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears/Willis area), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Chicago?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 1h 55m.
What does the Baltimore to Chicago flight path pass over?
Low ridges of the Allegheny/Appalachian range in western Maryland and Pennsylvania, followed by the flat farmland of Ohio and Indiana for the bulk of the cruise.