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IAD → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides enjoy the Appalachian crossing, the Right Side is superior for the arrival into Chicago, often providing a stunning panoramic view of the downtown skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline during the descent.
Search flights from IAD to MDW
Appalachian Ridges
Striking views of the folded geological ridges of northern West Virginia and the Pennsylvania border.
Pittsburgh Metro
On clear days, the 'Steel City' and the confluence of its three rivers can be spotted to the north.
Lake Michigan Coast
The dramatic transition from the Indiana Dunes to the deep blue waters of the Great Lakes.
Chicago Skyline
Unobstructed views of the Willis Tower and the lakefront skyscrapers if the flight performs a northern approach.
Request a window seat forward of the wing on the right side. During the standard arrival into Midway, aircraft often fly parallel to the Chicago lakefront; the right side offers the iconic 'postcard' view of the downtown skyline, especially spectacular during the 'golden hour' before sunset when the glass towers reflect the light.
Book Hotels in ChicagoShenandoah Valley
Aerial views of the lush valley sandwiched between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains shortly after takeoff.
Monongahela National Forest
Deep green expanses of the rugged West Virginia highlands featuring winding river cuts.
Indiana Flatlands
The transition into the Midwest 'patchwork quilt' of agricultural fields and geometric rural roads.
Chicago South Side
Views of the urban residential grid and industrial sites of Gary and South Chicago on final approach.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct solar glare while looking south toward the Appalachian peaks. It provides a great perspective of the vast urban sprawl of the Chicago metropolitan area as the plane crosses the Indiana-Illinois border.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 927 km (576 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: Domestic
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