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ABQ → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Albuquerque International Sunport (Albuquerque) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for this route, providing a dramatic view of the Sandia Mountains immediately after takeoff and the most iconic views of the Chicago skyline during the descent into Midway.
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Sandia Mountains
Breathtaking views of the 10,678-foot Sandia Crest and its rugged western limestone cliffs right after departure.
Sangre de Cristo Range
Distant views of the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains, often snow-capped during winter and spring.
Great Plains Patchwork
A geometric mosaic of center-pivot irrigation circles across Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle.
Mississippi River
Crossing the massive waterway near the Missouri and Illinois border, often showing heavy barge traffic.
Chicago Skyline
Unmatched views of the Willis Tower and the dense downtown high-rises when the aircraft turns for a Northeast approach.
Sit on the left for the 'Sandia Crest' view within the first 5 minutes of flight. For the Chicago arrival, morning flights have the best light on the city, while afternoon flights may face some glare. If the plane lands on Runway 4R, the left side offers an incredible close-up of the urban grid.
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Manzano Mountains
The 'Apple Tree' mountains south of Albuquerque, known for their dense forests and steep slopes.
Canadian River Valley
The deep red hues and winding paths of the Canadian River cutting through the Eastern New Mexico desert.
Agricultural Heartland
Sweeping views of the Missouri Ozarks' edge and the transition into the productive corn belt of Illinois.
Illinois River
Visualizing the historic waterway that connects the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River system.
Joliet Logistics Hub
A massive complex of railyards and warehouses that highlight Chicago's status as a national transport crossroads.
The right side offers better views of the rugged New Mexico desert landscape during the initial climb. During the winter, look for frozen lakes across Missouri and Illinois. If the flight path takes a wide southern loop around the city, you might see the southern shores of Lake Michigan.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 1,801 km (1,119 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min
Departure: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: Domestic
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