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MDW → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a premier view of the Chicago skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline immediately after departure, which is the visual highlight of this short regional hop.
Search flights from MDW to DTW
Chicago Skyline
Unrivaled views of the Willis Tower and the dense skyscraper cluster of the Loop during the initial climb out of Midway.
Lake Michigan Coast
Panoramic vistas of the bright blue lake and the transition from urban density to the northern suburbs.
Ann Arbor
Clear views of the University of Michigan campus and the iconic 'Big House' stadium during the descent phase.
Downtown Detroit
On specific landing patterns into DTW from the west, the left side may see the Renaissance Center and the Detroit riverfront.
Book a window seat on the left (usually 'A' seats) for the departure. Morning flights are spectacular as the sun rises over Lake Michigan, illuminating the Chicago skyline. In winter, look for the unique shelf ice patterns forming along the shoreline.
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Gary Industrial Belt
A bird's-eye view of the massive steel mills and heavy industrial complexes that line the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Indiana Dunes
The contrasting landscape of the Indiana Dunes National Park's sand dunes and forested ridges.
Michigan Heartland
A picturesque patchwork of agricultural fields and small towns across the southern Michigan peninsula.
The right side ('F' seats) is better for passengers interested in industrial geography and the rural landscapes of the Midwest. During evening flights, you will experience a beautiful sunset reflected in the plane's wing as you head east.
Book Hotels in DetroitDistance: 367 km (228 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 37 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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