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GDL → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Don Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla International Airport (Guadalajara) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is typically superior for this route as it offers the most dramatic views of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains in Mexico and the iconic Chicago skyline against Lake Michigan during the descent into Midway.
Search flights from GDL to MDW
Sierra Madre Oriental
The jagged, towering peaks of the eastern mountain range in Mexico provide a dramatic backdrop during the first hour of flight.
The Rio Grande
The winding river marking the international border between Coahuila, Mexico and Texas, USA.
The Ozarks
Rolling hills and dense forest cover as the flight passes over southern Missouri, contrasting with the flat plains.
Chicago Skyline
During the typical arrival pattern for Midway, the right side often gets a stunning view of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers.
Lake Michigan
The deep blue expanse of the lake is visible if the pilot performs a 'lake turn' for the final approach into MDW.
For the best experience, choose a window seat on the right and away from the wing. This side is essential for the famous 'Chicago Loop' view. On a clear day, the contrast between the turquoise waters of Lake Michigan and the city's architecture is the flight's highlight.
Book Hotels in ChicagoGuadalajara Cityscape
Bird's-eye view of Mexico's second-largest city and the surrounding volcanic valleys immediately after takeoff.
Zacatecas Highlands
The rugged, arid landscape of the Mexican plateau featuring high-altitude deserts and deep canyons.
Texas Plains
Vast stretches of North Texas and Oklahoma, showcasing the transition from desert to fertile agricultural land.
Illinois Farmland
The classic 'patchwork quilt' of the American Midwest with geometric green and gold fields stretching to the horizon.
Sit on the left side if you are flying in the late afternoon or evening to witness a spectacular sunset over the Great Plains. This side also provides a great view of the suburban expansion of Chicago if the aircraft approaches from the west.
Get eSIMs for Mexico
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,780 km (1,727 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: GDL (20.521799087524418, -103.31099700927734)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: International
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