The great-circle path from BWI to SMF runs just south of the Rockies, Great Salt Lake, and Sierra Nevada, so these major terrain features consistently appear to the north, on the right side of a westbound aircraft, giving that side more dramatic and varied scenery across the whole flight.
Flown BWI to SMF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Sacramento is 2,389 miles (3,845 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Great Plains of Kansas/Colorado, Front Range of the Rockies near Denver, Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, Nevada's Great Basin desert ranges
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTDeparting BWI to the west, the aircraft's initial turn puts Baltimore's downtown skyline, harbor, and the mouth of the Patapsco River on the right side of the plane before the route settles onto its westward heading over Maryland's rolling Piedmont.
Landing at SMF
RIGHTOn approach into Sacramento from the east, the descent path crosses the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe and the Sacramento Valley floor, with the Sutter Buttes and the American River confluence visible off the right side as the plane lines up for the north-south runways.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Sacramento International (SMF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Sacramento. The great-circle path from BWI to SMF runs just south of the Rockies, Great Salt Lake, and Sierra Nevada, so these major terrain features consistently appear to the north, on the right side of a westbound aircraft, giving that side more dramatic and varied scenery across the whole 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. Departing BWI to the west, the aircraft's initial turn puts Baltimore's downtown skyline, harbor, and the mouth of the Patapsco River on the right side of the plane before the route settles onto its westward heading over Maryland's rolling Piedmont. Notable sights include: Baltimore Inner Harbor, Patapsco River, Downtown Baltimore skyline, Maryland Piedmont hills.
What can I see when landing at Sacramento International in Sacramento?
When landing at Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Sacramento from the east, the descent path crosses the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe and the Sacramento Valley floor, with the Sutter Buttes and the American River confluence visible off the right side as the plane lines up for the north-south runways. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada foothills, Sutter Buttes, American River, Sacramento River.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Sacramento?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Sacramento International (SMF) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,389 miles (3,845 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Sacramento flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Kansas/Colorado, Front Range of the Rockies near Denver, Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, Nevada's Great Basin desert ranges