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DSM → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers superior views of the Quad Cities during the Mississippi River crossing and provides a more consistent vantage point for the iconic Chicago skyline and Willis Tower during the descent into Midway.
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Des Moines River
Follow the winding path of the river as the aircraft gains altitude heading east.
The Quad Cities
Detailed views of the bridges and urban centers of Davenport and Moline during the river crossing.
Chicago Skyline
Unrivaled views of the Willis Tower and the dense downtown core, especially during the base leg of the approach.
Midway Neighborhoods
A unique, low-altitude look at the classic Chicago bungalows and tight grid system during final approach.
The right side is highly recommended for evening arrivals to see the Chicago 'grid' illuminated. During the descent, the pilot often performs a U-shaped pattern south of the city, which places the Chicago skyline directly out the right-side windows. Keep your camera ready about 10 minutes before landing.
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Des Moines Skyline
Excellent views of the Iowa State Capitol and downtown Des Moines shortly after takeoff.
Mississippi River Crossing
A broad view of the river dividing Iowa and Illinois, typically crossed near the Clinton area.
Agricultural Tapestry
A birds-eye view of the precise geometric patterns of the Midwestern corn belt and rural homesteads.
Northern Illinois Industrial Centers
Views of logistics hubs and manufacturing centers as you approach the Chicago metropolitan fringe.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. Watch for the Mississippi River approximately 25 minutes into the flight. If the plane approaches Midway from the north, you may catch a distant glimpse of O'Hare International Airport.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 492 km (306 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 49 min
Departure: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: Domestic
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