The left side edges out thanks to the strong departure view of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan, landmarks with more visual impact than the modest ridge-and-bay view on arrival; both sides otherwise cross largely flat Midwest terrain during cruise.
Flown MDW to BWI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Baltimore is 609 miles (981 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Flat farmland of Indiana and Ohio, the Ohio River valley, and the low rolling foothills of the Allegheny Plateau near the Pennsylvania-West Virginia-Maryland border
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTDeparting MDW to the southeast before turning east, the left side offers a brief but clear view back toward downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan, both distinctive landmarks rarely matched on short domestic hops.
Landing at BWI
RIGHTOn approach into BWI from the west, the right side gives passengers a look at the wooded ridgelines of the Appalachian foothills giving way to the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore's harbor just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Baltimore. The left side edges out thanks to the strong departure view of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan, landmarks with more visual impact than the modest ridge-and-bay view on arrival; both sides otherwise cross largely flat Midwest terrain during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MDW to the southeast before turning east, the left side offers a brief but clear view back toward downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan, both distinctive landmarks rarely matched on short domestic hops. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's grid of residential neighborhoods.
What can I see when landing at Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
When landing at Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into BWI from the west, the right side gives passengers a look at the wooded ridgelines of the Appalachian foothills giving way to the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore's harbor just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Appalachian foothill ridges, Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore Inner Harbor.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Baltimore?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 609 miles (981 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Baltimore flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of Indiana and Ohio, the Ohio River valley, and the low rolling foothills of the Allegheny Plateau near the Pennsylvania-West Virginia-Maryland border