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MDW destination photo
OAK destination photo

MDWOAK

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior for this westbound journey, offering a prime view of the central Rocky Mountains, potential glimpses of Yosemite's high peaks, and a breathtaking panorama of the San Francisco skyline and the Bay Bridge during the final descent into Oakland.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Mississippi River

Cross the historic river boundary between Illinois and Iowa shortly after reaching cruising altitude.

🏔️

Colorado Rockies

Observe the southern reaches of the snow-capped Front Range and the rugged peaks of the central Colorado wilderness.

🏜️

Canyonlands of Utah

Vibrant red rock formations and deep carved canyons are visible as you transit the high desert of the Southwest.

🌲

Yosemite National Park

On a clear day, the distinctive granite silhouettes of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Half Dome may be visible to the south.

🌉

San Francisco Skyline

A spectacular view of the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and the Bay Bridge during the approach to OAK.

Sit on the left to avoid direct glare from the sun during afternoon flights and to secure the best view of the San Francisco city center during the standard arrival pattern. Use a polarizer on your camera to cut through atmospheric haze over the desert.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Catch an immediate view of the Willis Tower and the Lake Michigan shoreline if the flight departs toward the east before turning west.

🌽

Nebraska Sandhills

The unique undulating patterns of the grass-stabilized sand dunes in the Great Plains.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

The vast, multi-colored expanse of the lake and the striking white crust of the surrounding salt flats.

💧

Lake Tahoe

The brilliant cobalt blue of this alpine lake is often visible nestled within the Sierra Nevada range.

⛰️

Mount Diablo

The prominent peak of the East Bay serves as a landmark during the final descent into the Oakland area.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to keep the sun at your back. It offers the most direct view of the Great Salt Lake. Look out for the geometric crop circles of the Midwest which create a fascinating patchwork quilt effect from 35,000 feet.

Top Activities in Oakland
Route Information

Distance: 2,961 km (1,840 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 57 min

Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)

Arrival: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)

Route Type: Domestic

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