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MDW → RSW
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for the descent along the Florida Gulf Coast, featuring panoramic views of the turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and the intricate island chains near Fort Myers.
Nashville
Aerial views of Music City and the winding Cumberland River are often visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Tampa Bay
Clear views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the interconnected waterways of St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Gulf Coast Beaches
Stunning vistas of the white sands of Sarasota and Siesta Key as the plane follows the coastline south.
Gulf of Mexico
The deep blue and emerald hues of the open Gulf provide a beautiful backdrop during the final 30 minutes of flight.
Pine Island Sound
A bird's-eye view of the protected mangroves, oyster bars, and islands like Sanibel and Captiva just before landing.
Charlotte Harbor
The large bay north of Fort Myers where the Peace and Myakka Rivers meet, often dotted with recreational boats.
The right side is the 'sunset side' for late afternoon flights, offering incredible orange and pink hues over the Gulf. For the best coastal views, ensure you have a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion during the scenic descent.
Chicago Skyline
Visible shortly after departure from MDW, offering views of the Willis Tower and the dense urban core of the Windy City.
Lake Michigan
The southern shoreline of this Great Lake is visible as the plane tracks south over the Indiana border.
Appalachian Foothills
Rolling green terrain and ridge-and-valley formations of eastern Tennessee and northern Georgia.
Atlanta Hub
Potential views of the world's busiest airport and the sprawling metropolitan area of Georgia's capital.
Lake Okeechobee
Florida's largest freshwater lake is often visible to the east during the initial descent into the Southwest Florida region.
Northern Everglades
The vast, grassy wetlands of central Florida provide a unique textured landscape during the approach.
Sit on the left side during morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid glare. This side is also better for spotting the Chicago skyline immediately after takeoff if the aircraft departs toward the north before turning south.
Distance: 1,782 km (1,107 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 23 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: RSW (26.53619956970215, -81.75520324707031)
Route Type: Domestic
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