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MDW → ORF
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to Norfolk International Airport (Norfolk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for this route as it captures the iconic Chicago skyline during departure and the expansive Chesapeake Bay during the approach into Norfolk.
Search flights from MDW to ORF
Chicago Skyline
Breathtaking views of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers immediately after takeoff.
Lake Michigan
The vast blue expanse and the curved shoreline of Indiana Dunes.
Appalachian Ridges
Stunning aerial views of the unique parallel mountain ridges in West Virginia.
Shenandoah Valley
The lush, fertile valley floor nestled between the mountain ranges.
Chesapeake Bay
Clear views of the Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the Atlantic coast on final descent.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. In the morning, the sun will be on the right side, meaning the left side has better, indirect lighting for photos of the mountains and the bay.
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Midwest Farmland
The characteristic quilt pattern of Indiana and Ohio agricultural fields.
Monongahela Forest
Dense, rolling green hills and deep valleys of West Virginia.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The scenic eastern edge of the Appalachian Highlands.
James River
The historic winding waterway leading toward the Virginia coast.
Naval Station Norfolk
A chance to see the world's largest naval base and its fleet from the air.
The right side offers great views of the rural heartland and the historic James River. During afternoon flights, be prepared for direct sunlight; keep your window shade partially down to manage glare while spotting the naval shipyard.
Book Hotels in NorfolkDistance: 1,131 km (703 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 30 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: ORF (36.89459991455078, -76.20120239257812)
Route Type: Domestic
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