While takeoff favors the right side, the landing approach offers more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left. The Mediterranean coastline and Tel Aviv's urban landscape during descent provide more visually engaging views than the Chesapeake Bay departure.
Flown BWI to TLV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Baltimore to Tel Aviv is 5,848 miles (9,412 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, then passes over southern Europe (typically visible: Iberian Peninsula or southern France depending on routing), the Mediterranean Sea, and Greece or southern Italy before heading southeast toward Israel. Notable geographic features include the Strait of Gibraltar (if visible on southern routing), the Greek islands, and the Levantine coast approaching Israel. The flight typically cruises at 35,000-37,000 feet over open ocean for the majority of the journey, where cloud cover and distance limit ground visibility.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWI
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as the aircraft climbs out on typical eastbound departure routes. The bay's distinctive shape and surrounding marshlands are clearly visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at TLV
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Ben Gurion, particularly of the Mediterranean coastline, Tel Aviv's urban sprawl, and the Judean Hills inland. The aircraft typically descends along the coast before turning inland for final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Ben Gurion (TLV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Baltimore to Tel Aviv. While takeoff favors the right side, the landing approach offers more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left. The Mediterranean coastline and Tel Aviv's urban landscape during descent provide more visually engaging views than the Chesapeake Bay departure.
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 Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as the aircraft climbs out on typical eastbound departure routes. The bay's distinctive shape and surrounding marshlands are clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay, Patapsco River estuary, Baltimore Harbor, Patuxent River.
What can I see when landing at Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
When landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Ben Gurion, particularly of the Mediterranean coastline, Tel Aviv's urban sprawl, and the Judean Hills inland. The aircraft typically descends along the coast before turning inland for final approach. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv metropolitan area, Judean Hills, Jaffa's historic port district.
How long is the flight from Baltimore to Tel Aviv?
The flight from Baltimore Washington International (BWI) to Ben Gurion (TLV) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,848 miles (9,412 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Baltimore to Tel Aviv flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, then passes over southern Europe (typically visible: Iberian Peninsula or southern France depending on routing), the Mediterranean Sea, and Greece or southern Italy before heading southeast toward Israel. Notable geographic features include the Strait of Gibraltar (if visible on southern routing), the Greek islands, and the Levantine coast approaching Israel. The flight typically cruises at 35,000-37,000 feet over open ocean for the majority of the journey, where cloud cover and distance limit ground visibility.