Right-side seats win overall due to superior takeoff views of the Mississippi River's dramatic geography, which is the flight's most visually distinctive feature. While landing views favor the left, the takeoff experience from MSY is more geographically compelling.
Flown MSY to BWI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Baltimore is 998 miles (1,607 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gulf Coast, then proceeds northeast over Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible during initial climb), the Tennessee River system in Tennessee, and the Appalachian foothills as you approach the Mid-Atlantic region. The Shenandoah Valley lies to the west of the direct flight path. Most of the cruise altitude flight occurs over relatively flat terrain with scattered cloud cover typical of the southeastern United States.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders as you climb out over the New Orleans metropolitan area. The river's distinctive curves and the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline are best viewed from the right side during northeastbound departure.
Landing at BWI
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best view during descent into BWI, particularly the Patapsco River estuary, Baltimore Harbor, and the Chesapeake Bay's northern reaches. Approaching from the southwest, the left side reveals the distinctive water features and urban waterfront.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Baltimore. Right-side seats win overall due to superior takeoff views of the Mississippi River's dramatic geography, which is the flight's most visually distinctive feature. While landing views favor the left, the takeoff experience from MSY is more geographically compelling.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders as you climb out over the New Orleans metropolitan area. The river's distinctive curves and the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline are best viewed from the right side during northeastbound departure. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (multiple oxbow bends), Lake Pontchartrain to the north, New Orleans urban grid and French Quarter, Crescent City Connection bridge.
What can I see when landing at Baltimore Washington International in Baltimore?
When landing at Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best view during descent into BWI, particularly the Patapsco River estuary, Baltimore Harbor, and the Chesapeake Bay's northern reaches. Approaching from the southwest, the left side reveals the distinctive water features and urban waterfront. Notable sights include: Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor, Chesapeake Bay (northern section), Patuxent River to the south, Baltimore-Washington corridor urban development.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Baltimore?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 998 miles (1,607 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Baltimore flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf Coast, then proceeds northeast over Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible during initial climb), the Tennessee River system in Tennessee, and the Appalachian foothills as you approach the Mid-Atlantic region. The Shenandoah Valley lies to the west of the direct flight path. Most of the cruise altitude flight occurs over relatively flat terrain with scattered cloud cover typical of the southeastern United States.