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MDW → TUS
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago) to Tucson International Airport (Tucson)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the southern Rocky Mountains, the dramatic granite cliffs of the Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque, and the iconic Santa Catalina range during the descent into Tucson.
Search flights from MDW to TUS
Kansas City
View of the city skyline and the winding Missouri River as the flight traverses the Midwest.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains, often snow-capped in winter and spring.
Sandia Peak
Dramatic views of the 10,000-foot granite crest overlooking the Rio Grande Valley and Albuquerque.
El Malpais
Ancient, blackened lava flows and volcanic craters visible in western New Mexico.
Santa Catalina Mountains
Stunning close-up views of Mount Lemmon and the rugged canyons that frame the northern edge of Tucson.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft, perfectly illuminating the New Mexico mountains. This side provides the most dramatic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains as the pilot turns to align with the TUS runways. Use a polarising filter for photos to capture the deep blues of the desert sky.
Book Hotels in TucsonChicago Skyline
Bird's-eye view of the Willis Tower and the Loop shortly after takeoff from Midway.
St. Louis Arch
Occasional sightings of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River confluence depending on the flight corridor.
High Plains Patterns
Geometric crop circles from center-pivot irrigation across the Kansas and Oklahoma panhandles.
Chihuahuan Desert
Expansive views of the arid landscape and dry lake beds as you cross into New Mexico.
Davis-Monthan Boneyard
As you land in Tucson, look for the massive aircraft graveyard where thousands of retired planes are stored.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Chicago skyline during departure. However, be aware that on afternoon flights, this side will face the direct southwestern sun, which can cause significant glare and heat through the window. Keep an eye out for the massive aircraft storage areas just south of Tucson during the final approach.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,314 km (1,438 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 5 min
Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Arrival: TUS (32.116100311279304, -110.94100189208984)
Route Type: Domestic
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