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MDW → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer spectacular views of the American West, the right side wins for the iconic, low-altitude approach into San Diego, providing an unparalleled view of the downtown skyline and Balboa Park.
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Chicago Loop
Breathtaking views of the Willis Tower and the dense Chicago skyline shortly after takeoff from MDW.
Front Range Rockies
Direct views of the highest peaks in Colorado, including the majestic Pikes Peak.
Grand Canyon North Rim
Stunning geological layers and the winding Colorado River visible from cruising altitude.
Hoover Dam
The massive concrete arch-gravity dam on the border of Nevada and Arizona.
Balboa Park & Zoo
The final descent passes directly over the lush greenery of the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Downtown San Diego
An incredibly close-up view of skyscrapers at eye-level during the final seconds of landing.
The right side is essential for the 'San Diego Arrival,' one of the most scenic landings in the world. Ask for a window seat away from the wing for an unobstructed view of the downtown buildings. During winter, look for the heavy snowpack on the Rockies to the north.
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Midwestern Patterns
Geometric crop circles and vast farmland stretches across Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southern tip of the Rocky Mountains with rugged peaks often dusted in snow.
Monument Valley
Iconic red sandstone buttes and mesas rising from the desert floor near the Four Corners.
Salton Sea
A massive, shimmering turquoise endorheic rift lake in the middle of the California desert.
San Diego Bay
Aerial views of the Coronado Bridge and the Pacific fleet stationed at North Island.
The left side is superior for desert color depth, particularly as you cross into the Southwest. On a clear day, you can often spot the white sands of New Mexico or the deep blues of the Salton Sea. Note that on morning flights, this side will face the sun, which may cause glare.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,776 km (1,725 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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