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OAK → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a premier view of Lake Tahoe shortly after departure, direct views of the Great Salt Lake, and the most iconic perspective of the Chicago skyline during the final approach into Midway.
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San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Bay Bridge, Berkeley Hills, and the northern reaches of the San Francisco Bay immediately after takeoff.
Lake Tahoe
Breathtaking views of the deep blue alpine lake and the surrounding snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains.
Great Salt Lake
Observe the striking color contrasts of the shallow saline waters and the Antelope Island State Park.
Wasatch Range
Dramatic jagged peaks of the Northern Rockies as you transition from the Great Basin into the plains.
Chicago Skyline
On the 'Lake Arrival' pattern, enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers.
For the best experience, choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur. The highlight of this side is the transition over the Sierra Nevada—Lake Tahoe will appear roughly 20-30 minutes after departure. On the descent into Chicago, keep your camera ready if the plane maneuvers over Lake Michigan for a stunning city view.
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Yosemite National Park
Distant but majestic views of the granite domes and high wilderness of the southern Sierra Nevada range.
Nevada High Desert
Vast, desolate basin-and-range topography with unique geological formations and dry lake beds.
Colorado Rockies
Views of the Front Range and the high-altitude continental divide as you cross into the Great Plains.
Mississippi River
The massive scale of America's primary waterway is easily visible during the descent phase.
The right side is ideal for travelers who enjoy rugged desert landscapes and the southern reaches of the Rocky Mountains. Because this is an eastbound flight, the sun will be on the right side for much of the day; consider bringing sunglasses or lowering the shade during the afternoon to reduce glare.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 2,961 km (1,840 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 57 min
Departure: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: Domestic
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