The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a stronger volcanic mountain lineup at departure (St. Helens, Rainier, Adams) and a Baltimore skyline/Chesapeake Bay view on arrival, while the mid-continent cruise portion is largely flat and offers little differentiation between sides.
Flown PDX to BWI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Baltimore is 2,352 miles (3,786 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
Snake River plain and the Rocky Mountains near the Idaho-Wyoming border, followed by the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, then the flatlands of Illinois and Indiana before the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania and Maryland come into view near descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
RIGHTDeparting PDX to the east (favoring runway 28 with a turn back east, or direct 10 departure), the north side gives a clear view of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier's snowy cone rising above the Cascade foothills. The south side sees Mt. Hood, but the northern volcanoes cluster more densely together for a richer sequence.
Landing at BWI
RIGHTOn approach into BWI from the west, the final turn and descent put Baltimore's Inner Harbor and downtown skyline off to the right, with glimpses of the upper Chesapeake Bay beyond. The left side mostly shows suburban Maryland terrain with less visual interest.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Baltimore. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a stronger volcanic mountain lineup at departure (St. Helens, Rainier, Adams) and a Baltimore skyline/Chesapeake Bay view on arrival, while the mid-continent cruise portion is largely flat and offers little differentiation between sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PDX to the east (favoring runway 28 with a turn back east, or direct 10 departure), the north side gives a clear view of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier's snowy cone rising above the Cascade foothills. The south side sees Mt. Hood, but the northern volcanoes cluster more densely together for a richer sequence. Notable sights include: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Columbia River.
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 final turn and descent put Baltimore's Inner Harbor and downtown skyline off to the right, with glimpses of the upper Chesapeake Bay beyond. The left side mostly shows suburban Maryland terrain with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Baltimore Inner Harbor skyline, Patapsco River, Chesapeake Bay, Loch Raven Reservoir.
How long is the flight from Portland to Baltimore?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,352 miles (3,786 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Baltimore flight path pass over?
Snake River plain and the Rocky Mountains near the Idaho-Wyoming border, followed by the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, then the flatlands of Illinois and Indiana before the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania and Maryland come into view near descent.