While takeoff favors right seats for Casco Bay views, the landing approach into BWI provides more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left side—the Patapsco River, Baltimore Harbor, and downtown skyline are iconic and clearly visible during descent. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown PWM to BWI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Baltimore is 451 miles (726 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Notable features include the Delaware River valley (visible during the first hour), the ridge-and-valley topography of central Pennsylvania, and the Susquehanna River near the Maryland border. The Chesapeake Bay becomes visible in the final 30 minutes of flight, appearing as a large, irregular water body with numerous tributaries. No major mountain ranges are prominent at cruise altitude, but the general terrain elevation increases gradually southwestward before descending toward the Coastal Plain near BWI.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PWM
RIGHTPWM typically departs runway 07 (eastbound) or 25 (westbound). Right-side seats on eastbound departures offer immediate views of Casco Bay and the Atlantic coastline. Westbound departures favor left seats, but eastbound is more common for southbound traffic to BWI.
Landing at BWI
LEFTBWI uses runways 01L/19R and 01R/19L. Approaches from the north typically use runway 01 (northbound final). Left-side seats on northbound approaches provide views of the Patapsco River, Baltimore Inner Harbor, and the city's downtown district during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International Jetport (PWM) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Baltimore. While takeoff favors right seats for Casco Bay views, the landing approach into BWI provides more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left side—the Patapsco River, Baltimore Harbor, and downtown skyline are iconic and clearly visible during descent. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International Jetport in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International Jetport (PWM), sit on the Right side for the best views. PWM typically departs runway 07 (eastbound) or 25 (westbound). Right-side seats on eastbound departures offer immediate views of Casco Bay and the Atlantic coastline. Westbound departures favor left seats, but eastbound is more common for southbound traffic to BWI. Notable sights include: Casco Bay with its island archipelago, Atlantic Ocean horizon, Portland Harbor and waterfront, White Mountains distant to the northwest.
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. BWI uses runways 01L/19R and 01R/19L. Approaches from the north typically use runway 01 (northbound final). Left-side seats on northbound approaches provide views of the Patapsco River, Baltimore Inner Harbor, and the city's downtown district during descent. Notable sights include: Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor, Chesapeake Bay in distance, downtown Baltimore skyline, BWI runway complex and surrounding industrial areas.
How long is the flight from Portland to Baltimore?
The flight from Portland International Jetport (PWM) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 451 miles (726 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Baltimore flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Notable features include the Delaware River valley (visible during the first hour), the ridge-and-valley topography of central Pennsylvania, and the Susquehanna River near the Maryland border. The Chesapeake Bay becomes visible in the final 30 minutes of flight, appearing as a large, irregular water body with numerous tributaries. No major mountain ranges are prominent at cruise altitude, but the general terrain elevation increases gradually southwestward before descending toward the Coastal Plain near BWI.