The right side wins both the dramatic San Diego Bay departure and the Chesapeake Bay/DC-adjacent arrival, while the cruise phase over the southern Great Plains is largely flat and similar on both sides regardless of seat choice.
Flown SAN to BWI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Baltimore is 2,290 miles (3,686 km), a flight of about 5 hours 5 minutes.
Sonoran Desert and Colorado River near Yuma, high plains of West Texas and Oklahoma panhandle, Ozark foothills, and the Mississippi River crossing near Memphis before the Appalachian ridgelines of West Virginia and Virginia.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTSAN departures to the east typically climb out over San Diego Bay before banking south and east, putting downtown San Diego's skyline, the harbor, and Coronado Bridge on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most scenic urban departures in the US.
Landing at BWI
RIGHTOn approach into BWI from the west, the flight path often passes south of Baltimore, giving a view toward Washington DC's skyline and the upper Chesapeake Bay before the final turn to land. This side offers more recognizable landmarks than the flatter approach terrain to the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Baltimore. The right side wins both the dramatic San Diego Bay departure and the Chesapeake Bay/DC-adjacent arrival, while the cruise phase over the southern Great Plains is largely flat and similar on both sides regardless of seat choice.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAN departures to the east typically climb out over San Diego Bay before banking south and east, putting downtown San Diego's skyline, the harbor, and Coronado Bridge on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most scenic urban departures in the US. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma.
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 flight path often passes south of Baltimore, giving a view toward Washington DC's skyline and the upper Chesapeake Bay before the final turn to land. This side offers more recognizable landmarks than the flatter approach terrain to the north. Notable sights include: Chesapeake Bay, Washington DC skyline (distant), Patapsco River, Baltimore Inner Harbor.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Baltimore?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) takes about 5 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,290 miles (3,686 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Baltimore flight path pass over?
Sonoran Desert and Colorado River near Yuma, high plains of West Texas and Oklahoma panhandle, Ozark foothills, and the Mississippi River crossing near Memphis before the Appalachian ridgelines of West Virginia and Virginia.