While the takeoff offers excellent Icelandic geology and harbor views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and extensive scenic value with the Chesapeake Bay system—one of North America's most visually distinctive water features from altitude.
Flown RKV to BWI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Baltimore is 2,778 miles (4,471 km), a flight of about 6 hours.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, typically passing south of Greenland and north of Newfoundland. Visible midpoint features include the Greenland ice sheet (if the route passes close enough), the Atlantic coastline of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and the Gulf of Maine. The flight generally maintains altitude over open ocean for 4-5 hours with limited ground features, though on clear days the curvature of the Earth and cloud formations create their own visual interest.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of Reykjavik's harbor, the surrounding lava fields, and Mount Esja to the northeast. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at BWI
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Chesapeake Bay, the Patuxent River, and the distinctive geography of the Maryland coast as the aircraft descends into BWI. Left side faces inland toward less visually distinctive areas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Baltimore. While the takeoff offers excellent Icelandic geology and harbor views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and extensive scenic value with the Chesapeake Bay system—one of North America's most visually distinctive water features from altitude.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of Reykjavik's harbor, the surrounding lava fields, and Mount Esja to the northeast. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Reykjavik harbor and Old Harbor district, Mount Esja (900m peak northeast of city), Kollafjörður bay, dark basalt lava plains extending inland.
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. Right side provides views of the Chesapeake Bay, the Patuxent River, and the distinctive geography of the Maryland coast as the aircraft descends into BWI. Left side faces inland toward less visually distinctive areas. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay (largest estuary on the US East Coast), Patuxent River, Baltimore Harbor and Inner Harbor, Patapsco River delta.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Baltimore?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes about 6 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,778 miles (4,471 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Baltimore flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, typically passing south of Greenland and north of Newfoundland. Visible midpoint features include the Greenland ice sheet (if the route passes close enough), the Atlantic coastline of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and the Gulf of Maine. The flight generally maintains altitude over open ocean for 4-5 hours with limited ground features, though on clear days the curvature of the Earth and cloud formations create their own visual interest.