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MDW → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer spectacular views of the Rockies and Sierras, the right side is generally superior due to more favorable lighting (avoiding the southern sun glare) and iconic views of Lake Tahoe and the San Francisco city skyline during the approach.
Search flights from MDW to SFO
Lake Michigan
Vast views of the lake's horizon and the North Shore suburbs if the flight departs towards the north.
Great Salt Lake
The shimmering white salt flats and the distinctive turquoise and pink hues of Utah's Great Salt Lake.
Lake Tahoe
The strikingly clear blue waters of the alpine lake nestled within the Sierra Nevada range.
San Francisco Skyline
A classic aerial view of the Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the Bay Bridge on final approach.
Alcatraz & The Golden Gate
Visible on a clear day if the flight follows a northern arrival pattern over the city before landing.
This is the 'shaded' side of the aircraft, making it much better for taking clear, glare-free photos of the terrain. Keep your window shade open during the final 20 minutes of the flight; the approach into SFO is one of the most scenic in the US, frequently offering views of the entire Bay Area.
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Chicago Skyline
Dramatic views of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers immediately following takeoff from Midway.
Mississippi River
The massive, winding waterway marking the transition from the Midwest to the Great Plains.
Central Rockies
Direct views of the high-altitude peaks of the Colorado and Wyoming Rocky Mountains.
Great Basin Desert
The stark, colorful geology of the Nevada desert and the southern reaches of the Great Salt Lake.
San Mateo Bridge
A close-up view of the longest bridge in California as the aircraft descends over the South Bay.
The left side will experience direct sunlight for the majority of this westward flight, which can be harsh for photography. To see the Rockies clearly, try to book a morning flight when the sun is behind you, illuminating the peaks. Be prepared for some glare during the afternoon.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,977 km (1,850 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 58 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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