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MDW → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this route, offering a spectacular close-up view of Mount Rainier during the descent and a high probability of seeing the Chicago skyline after departure.
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Chicago Loop
Exceptional views of the Willis Tower and the dense Chicago skyline shortly after takeoff from Midway.
Mississippi River
A clear view of the winding river valley as you transition from Illinois into the Iowa plains.
The Rocky Mountains
Expansive views of the high peaks of the Rockies as the flight path crosses over Wyoming and Idaho.
Mount Rainier
The star attraction; the aircraft typically passes just north of this 14,411-foot volcano during its descent.
Puget Sound
Panoramic views of the islands and inlets of the sound during the final banking maneuvers into SEA.
Book a window seat on the left for the best chance to see Mount Rainier, which usually appears about 20 minutes before landing. On afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side of the aircraft, so keep the shade down until you reach the mountains to avoid glare. For the best Chicago views, hope for a departure to the east or north.
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Lake Michigan
Stunning views of the lake's coastline and the turquoise waters near the Indiana/Illinois border.
Badlands Terrain
Rugged, eroded landscapes and unique geological formations across the Dakotas and Montana.
North Cascades
Views of the jagged, glacier-clad peaks of the northern Washington range during the initial descent.
Seattle Skyline
If the flight lands from the north (Runway 16), this side offers a direct view of the Space Needle and downtown.
Elliott Bay
A view of the busy shipping port and waterfront of Seattle just before touchdown.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun will be behind the aircraft, providing perfectly lit landscapes. If the airport is operating in a South Flow (landing on Runway 16L/C/R), the right side offers the best views of Lake Washington and the downtown Seattle skyscrapers.
Book Hotels in SeattleDistance: 2,782 km (1,729 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 43 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
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