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DTW → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers unparalleled views of the Lake Michigan coastline and the iconic Chicago skyline during the descent, making it the superior choice for this short hop.
St. Joseph Shoreline
Beautiful views of the Michigan 'Sunset Coast' and white sandy beaches before crossing the water.
Lake Michigan
A brief but scenic transit over the deep blue waters of the Great Lake's southern basin.
Chicago Skyline
Incredible views of the Willis Tower, the Hancock Building, and the dense cluster of Loop skyscrapers.
Navy Pier
Spot the iconic Ferris wheel and the long pier stretching into the lake during the final descent.
Grant Park
The 'Front Yard' of Chicago, featuring Buckingham Fountain and the museum campus by the lakefront.
The right side is the clear winner for the Chicago skyline. Try to book a window seat away from the wing for unobstructed views of the city. Morning flights offer the best lighting on the skyscrapers, while evening flights showcase the city's brilliant light grid.
Ann Arbor
Catch a glimpse of the University of Michigan campus and the massive 'Big House' stadium shortly after takeoff.
South Bend
View the Notre Dame campus and the famous Golden Dome if the flight path tracks slightly south.
Gary Industrial Area
Observe the massive steel mills and heavy industrial infrastructure along the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
South Chicago Suburbs
A dense grid of residential neighborhoods provides a sense of the immense scale of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Sit on the left for a view of the southern Indiana shoreline and the sprawling industrial heart of the Midwest. This side is better if you want to avoid direct afternoon sun when flying west.
Distance: 367 km (228 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 37 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: Domestic
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