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BHM → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Birmingham) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Nashville skyline, the broad Ohio River crossing, and the iconic Chicago skyline during the descent into Midway.
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Nashville Skyline
A clear view of the 'Batman Building' and the Cumberland River as you fly past Music City.
The Ohio River
The massive waterway separating Kentucky and Indiana, often visible near the Louisville corridor.
Benton County Wind Farms
Massive arrays of wind turbines visible across the northern Indiana plains.
Gary & Lake Michigan
The heavy industrial shoreline of Indiana and the deep blue southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Downtown Chicago
Spectacular views of the Willis Tower and the Lake Michigan waterfront during the base leg of the approach.
The right side is the 'money' seat for the Chicago approach. Depending on the wind, MDW landings often bank around the city, giving the right side a panoramic view of the skyline. Morning flights are ideal for this side to see the sun reflecting off the Chicago skyscrapers and Lake Michigan.
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Tennessee River
The winding Tennessee River and Pickwick Lake area near the Alabama-Tennessee border.
Illinois-Indiana Farmland
The transition from rolling hills to the perfectly flat, grid-like patterns of the Midwest.
Wabash River Valley
The natural border between Indiana and Illinois, cutting through dense agricultural land.
Sit on the left for sunset flights to experience the 'Golden Hour' over the rural landscape. This side also avoids direct sun glare during early morning departures. Keep a lookout for the sprawling suburban landscapes of the Chicagoland area as you begin your final approach.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 919 km (571 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min
Departure: BHM (33.56290054, -86.75350189)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: Domestic
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