While the left side gets a nice Chicago send-off, the right side carries more visual interest through descent with Appalachian foothill terrain and the Chesapeake Bay/Baltimore harbor combination, giving it a slight edge over the flat Midwest cruise scenery.
Flight Path
Flat farmland of Indiana and Ohio, with the rolling hills of eastern Ohio and the Allegheny Plateau beginning to appear as the route approaches Pennsylvania and Maryland
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTDeparting ORD eastbound, the left side offers a view back toward Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs out over the northern suburbs. This is a brief but distinctive urban and water view rarely matched elsewhere on this route.
Landing at BWI
RIGHTOn approach to BWI from the west, the right side reveals the low ridges of the Appalachian foothills giving way to the Piedmont, then the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore's harbor come into view as the plane descends. This side has more topographic and coastal variety than the flat farmland dominating the left.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Baltimore. While the left side gets a nice Chicago send-off, the right side carries more visual interest through descent with Appalachian foothill terrain and the Chesapeake Bay/Baltimore harbor combination, giving it a slight edge over the flat Midwest cruise scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ORD eastbound, the left side offers a view back toward Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs out over the northern suburbs. This is a brief but distinctive urban and water view rarely matched elsewhere on this route. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's surrounding suburban grid.
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 to BWI from the west, the right side reveals the low ridges of the Appalachian foothills giving way to the Piedmont, then the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore's harbor come into view as the plane descends. This side has more topographic and coastal variety than the flat farmland dominating the left. Notable sights include: Appalachian foothill ridges, Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore Inner Harbor, Patapsco River.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Baltimore?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes 1h 50m.
What does the Chicago to Baltimore flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of Indiana and Ohio, with the rolling hills of eastern Ohio and the Allegheny Plateau beginning to appear as the route approaches Pennsylvania and Maryland