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MDW → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the Grand Canyon and a more dramatic perspective of the Los Angeles basin during the final approach.
Search flights from MDW to LAX
Mississippi River
Witness the massive waterway as you cross from the Midwest into the Western plains.
Southern Rockies
View the jagged, snow-capped peaks of Southern Colorado, including Pikes Peak.
Grand Canyon
The flight path often passes directly over or just north of this natural wonder, providing spectacular depth views.
Lake Mead
See the bright blue waters of the Colorado River reservoir nestled in the red desert landscape.
Downtown Los Angeles
On the standard descent (DAWNN or RIIVR arrivals), the skyscrapers of DTLA are visible to the south.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Grand Canyon approximately 45-60 minutes before arrival. On westward flights, the sun will be on this side in the afternoon, so a morning departure is ideal for photography. Avoid seats directly over the wing for unobstructed views of the desert floor.
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Midwestern Patchwork
The geometric beauty of perfectly square farmlands across Iowa and Nebraska.
Canyonlands
The rugged red rock formations and deep plateaus of Utah's high desert.
Las Vegas Strip
Depending on the specific airway, the neon lights or desert sprawl of Vegas appear to the north.
San Gabriel Mountains
The steep, dramatic mountain wall that separates the Mojave Desert from the LA Basin.
Hollywood Sign
During the final landing sequence into LAX, look north to spot the iconic sign on Mt. Lee.
The right side is perfect for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. It provides an excellent view of the San Gabriel Mountains during the descent. If the plane circles for a landing from the west (ocean side), the right side offers a brief view of the Pacific coastline.
Book Hotels in Los AngelesDistance: 2,812 km (1,747 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 45 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: Domestic
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