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MDW destination photo
CLE destination photo

MDWCLE

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior view of the Chicago skyline on departure and follows the scenic southern coastline of Lake Erie during the approach to Cleveland.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

A breathtaking view of the Willis Tower and downtown lakefront immediately after takeoff from MDW.

🏖️

Indiana Dunes

The distinct sandy shoreline and state park dunes at the southern tip of Lake Michigan.

🏭

Gary Industrial Zone

Massive steel mills and heavy industrial infrastructure along the Indiana coast.

🌊

Lake Erie Coastline

Sweeping views of the lake as the aircraft aligns for the approach into Cleveland.

🚢

Port of Cleveland

Aerial views of the urban waterfront and shipping docks just before touchdown.

Choose the left side for the best chance to see Chicago's skyline during the climb. Morning flights provide excellent front-lighting on the lakefront, while evening flights offer a sunset reflection over Lake Erie on the approach to CLE. Use a window seat forward of the wing for an unobstructed view of the ground during the short 1-hour flight.

Right Side Highlights
5.2
🏠

Midway Grid

The dense, perfectly rectangular residential blocks of Chicago's south side.

🏟️

South Bend

Distant views of the University of Notre Dame campus and northern Indiana landscapes.

🚜

Midwest Patchwork

Extensive geometric patterns of Indiana and Ohio farmlands in varying seasonal colors.

🏘️

Toledo Outskirts

The southern suburbs of Toledo and the Maumee River crossing.

🌳

Cuyahoga Valley

Dense forest patches and the winding river south of Cleveland during the final descent.

The right side is ideal for travelers who enjoy the geometric aesthetics of agricultural land and suburban sprawl. This side avoids the direct glare of the sun during morning eastbound flights, making it easier to take photos of the Indiana and Ohio terrain.

Top Activities in Cleveland
Route Information

Distance: 492 km (306 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 49 min

Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)

Arrival: CLE (41.4117012024, -81.8498001099)

Route Type: Domestic

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