While takeoff offers dramatic volcanic scenery, the landing approach provides more sustained and varied views of significant geographic features—the Chesapeake Bay system and Baltimore region are more visually extensive and distinctive than the brief Azores departure. Left-side seats capture the approach corridor's best perspectives.
Flown PIX to BWI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pico to Baltimore is 2,563 miles (4,125 km), a flight of about 5 hours 25 minutes.
The flight crosses the North Atlantic at typical transatlantic cruise altitudes (33,000-35,000 feet). The mid-Atlantic ridge lies roughly 1,000 miles east of Pico but remains invisible at cruise altitude. The flight path passes south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, then over the continental shelf approaching the U.S. East Coast. At cruise altitude, the open ocean dominates with no visible landmarks; the most notable feature is the gradual transition from deep Atlantic water to shallower continental shelf waters as the aircraft approaches North America, visible only as subtle color changes in the water below.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIX
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of Pico Island's volcanic cone and the surrounding Azores archipelago as the aircraft climbs. The departure path typically heads northeast over the Atlantic, positioning the island and neighboring islands to the right.
Landing at BWI
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into BWI as the aircraft approaches from the northeast over the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding Maryland landscape. The approach typically brings the bay and Baltimore metropolitan area into view on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pico (PIX) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pico to Baltimore. While takeoff offers dramatic volcanic scenery, the landing approach provides more sustained and varied views of significant geographic features—the Chesapeake Bay system and Baltimore region are more visually extensive and distinctive than the brief Azores departure. Left-side seats capture the approach corridor's best perspectives.
What can I see during takeoff from Pico in Pico?
During takeoff from Pico (PIX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of Pico Island's volcanic cone and the surrounding Azores archipelago as the aircraft climbs. The departure path typically heads northeast over the Atlantic, positioning the island and neighboring islands to the right. Notable sights include: Mount Pico (2,351 m volcanic peak), Faial Island to the west, São Jorge Island to the northwest, Atlantic Ocean extending eastward.
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 provide excellent views during the descent into BWI as the aircraft approaches from the northeast over the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding Maryland landscape. The approach typically brings the bay and Baltimore metropolitan area into view on the left side. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay (major water body), Baltimore Harbor and Inner Harbor, Patapsco River, Appalachian foothills to the west.
How long is the flight from Pico to Baltimore?
The flight from Pico (PIX) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes about 5 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,563 miles (4,125 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pico to Baltimore flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Atlantic at typical transatlantic cruise altitudes (33,000-35,000 feet). The mid-Atlantic ridge lies roughly 1,000 miles east of Pico but remains invisible at cruise altitude. The flight path passes south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, then over the continental shelf approaching the U.S. East Coast. At cruise altitude, the open ocean dominates with no visible landmarks; the most notable feature is the gradual transition from deep Atlantic water to shallower continental shelf waters as the aircraft approaches North America, visible only as subtle color changes in the water below.