Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Baltimore. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is more dramatic and sustained—the Patapsco estuary and Inner Harbor provide distinctive visual landmarks during the critical final descent. The northbound flight path offers less compelling midpoint scenery, making the landing experience the deciding factor.

During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Right side for the best views. ORF typically departs runway 03 (northeast) or 21 (southwest). Right-side seats on a northeast departure capture the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads waterfront immediately below, with the naval shipyard and port facilities visible. On southwest departures, right seats show the Dismal Swamp to the west. Notable sights include: Elizabeth River (immediate foreground), Hampton Roads harbor with naval vessels, Dismal Swamp (western departures), Atlantic Ocean to the east.

When landing at Baltimore Washington International (BWI), sit on the Left side for the best views. BWI typically lands runway 10L/10R (east) or 28L/28R (west). On eastbound approaches, left seats provide views of the Patapsco River estuary and Baltimore Inner Harbor as you descend toward the runway. On westbound approaches, left seats show the Chesapeake Bay and the approach corridor over Anne Arundel County. Notable sights include: Patapsco River estuary, Baltimore Inner Harbor, Chesapeake Bay (westbound approaches), Anne Arundel County suburban sprawl.

The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes Approximately 50-60 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Virginia-Maryland border near the Rappahannock River drainage basin. Mid-flight cruising altitude (around 15,000-25,000 feet) provides views of the Chesapeake Bay's western shore, with the Eastern Shore of Virginia visible to the east and the Maryland Piedmont to the west. The Potomac River becomes visible as you approach the BWI descent corridor.