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AUS → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (Austin) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route because it offers views of the Ozark Mountains and a high probability of seeing the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on the approach to Midway.
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Ozark National Forest
Dense forest canopy and rugged terrain as the plane crosses the Missouri-Arkansas border region.
Mississippi River
The major crossing of the Mississippi River, often near the confluence with the Missouri River.
Chicago Skyline
Unmatched views of the Willis Tower and the downtown loop during the base leg of the approach into MDW.
Lake Michigan
The vast blue expanse of the Great Lakes visible just before landing as the plane maneuvers for the runway.
The right side is the 'money' side for the landing. If MDW is landing from the south (typical), the plane often turns over the lake or follows the shoreline, giving the right side a panoramic view of downtown Chicago. Best in the morning for low-angle sun highlighting the Ozark topography.
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Austin Hill Country
Aerial views of the rolling hills and limestone formations immediately west of Austin upon departure.
DFW Metroplex
Glances of the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area as the flight path heads north through Texas.
Oklahoma Plains
Expansive views of the geometric agricultural patterns and oil fields characteristic of Oklahoma.
St. Louis Suburbs
Views of the Missouri landscape and the western edge of the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Sit on the left if you are flying in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset, though glare can be intense. This side also offers a better view of the suburban sprawl of the Midwest before reaching the city center.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,565 km (972 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 5 min
Departure: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: Domestic
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