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MDW → BUF
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (Buffalo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the southern Michigan coastline and is generally preferred for spotting Niagara Falls during the final approach into Buffalo.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Striking views of the Indiana Dunes and the southwestern Michigan coast immediately after departure.
Detroit and Windsor
Occasional views of the Detroit River and the international border skylines to the north.
Lake Erie Panoramas
Vast expanses of the Great Lake, often showing the contrast between the deep water and shallow coastal areas.
Niagara River
Aerial views of the river as it flows from Lake Erie toward the falls during the descent.
Niagara Falls
The iconic Horseshoe and American Falls are often visible on the left during the final approach pattern into BUF.
Choose a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of Niagara Falls as the plane banks for landing. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the glare of the sun, which will be to the south. Keep your camera ready as soon as the descent begins, as the window for seeing the falls can be brief depending on air traffic control patterns.
Chicago Skyline
Excellent views of the Willis Tower and the downtown 'Loop' area if the flight departs to the east.
Gary Industrial Zone
Intricate aerial patterns of steel mills and heavy industry along the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Cedar Point
The famous amusement park peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio, is often visible on clear days.
Cleveland Waterfront
Views of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland's downtown skyline along the Lake Erie shore.
Buffalo Southtowns
The transition from agricultural land to the urban grid of Buffalo's southern suburbs during landing.
The right side is perfect for capturing the sunset over the wing when flying in the late afternoon or evening. This side also offers the best view of the Chicago skyline immediately after takeoff from Midway if the wind dictates an eastbound departure. For those interested in industrial geography, the views over Northwest Indiana and Northern Ohio are unparalleled.
Distance: 752 km (467 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 15 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: BUF (42.94049835, -78.73220062)
Route Type: Domestic
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