While landing favors the left, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding on the right side. The Patapsco estuary and Chesapeake Bay views during climb-out are more distinctive than the landing approach, making right-side seats the better overall choice for this short 45-minute flight.
Flown BWI to ORF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Norfolk is 160 miles (257 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the northern Chesapeake Bay region. Notable features include the Chesapeake Bay itself (dominant water body throughout the flight), the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia (visible as a low, flat landmass to the east), and the Western Shore with its river systems. The Potomac River drainage basin is visible to the northwest during early climb. The flight maintains a southeasterly heading, with the Chesapeake Bay visible for most of the cruise phase as a broad gray-blue feature dominating the landscape below.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Patapsco River estuary and Inner Harbor as the aircraft climbs out on typical eastbound departure headings (runways 10L/10R). The water features and Baltimore's downtown skyline are prominent in the initial climb phase.
Landing at ORF
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Elizabeth River and Norfolk Harbor during descent and approach to ORF. Typical landing runways (01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind) position left-side passengers to see the water features and naval installations that define Norfolk's geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Norfolk International (ORF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Norfolk. While landing favors the left, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding on the right side. The Patapsco estuary and Chesapeake Bay views during climb-out are more distinctive than the landing approach, making right-side seats the better overall choice for this short 45-minute 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 out on typical eastbound departure headings (runways 10L/10R). The water features and Baltimore's downtown skyline are prominent in the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Patapsco River estuary, Baltimore Inner Harbor, Chesapeake Bay (distant), Fort McHenry.
What can I see when landing at Norfolk International in Norfolk?
When landing at Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Elizabeth River and Norfolk Harbor during descent and approach to ORF. Typical landing runways (01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind) position left-side passengers to see the water features and naval installations that define Norfolk's geography. Notable sights include: Elizabeth River, Norfolk Harbor, Naval Station Norfolk, Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel approach.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Norfolk?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Norfolk International (ORF) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 160 miles (257 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Norfolk flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the northern Chesapeake Bay region. Notable features include the Chesapeake Bay itself (dominant water body throughout the flight), the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia (visible as a low, flat landmass to the east), and the Western Shore with its river systems. The Potomac River drainage basin is visible to the northwest during early climb. The flight maintains a southeasterly heading, with the Chesapeake Bay visible for most of the cruise phase as a broad gray-blue feature dominating the landscape below.