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MDW → MEM
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to Memphis International Airport (Memphis)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side typically offers a more dramatic view of the Chicago skyline during departure and provides a closer vantage point of the Mississippi River's meandering path when approaching Memphis.
Chicago Loop Skyline
On standard departures, the Willis Tower and the dense downtown skyscrapers are visible to the west.
I-55 Route 66 Corridor
Follow the path of the historic Mother Road as the flight parallels the main transit artery to the south.
Mississippi River Meanders
View the incredible oxbow lakes and dramatic bends of the Mississippi River as you cross into Tennessee.
Memphis Riverfront
See the iconic 'M' Bridge, the Pyramid, and the downtown Memphis skyline during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights, offering views of the sun reflecting off the Mississippi River. Try to sit behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the river's complex geography near the Arkansas-Tennessee border. Keep your camera ready during the first 5 minutes of flight for Chicago views.
South Chicago Industrial Corridor
View the historic industrial landscape and neighborhood grids of Chicago's South Side shortly after takeoff.
Central Illinois Farmland
Witness the vast, geometric patterns of the American Corn Belt stretching toward the horizon.
Shawnee National Forest
Observe the terrain transition from flat plains to the rolling, forested hills of Southern Illinois.
Ohio River Crossing
Catch a glimpse of the Ohio River as it flows toward its confluence with the Mississippi near Cairo.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun. It provides a peaceful view of the rural Midwest and the transition into the lush greenery of the Midsouth region. Watch for the massive solar farms now dotting the Illinois landscape.
Distance: 774 km (481 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 17 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: MEM (35.04240036010742, -89.97669982910156)
Route Type: Domestic
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