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PHX → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic transition from the Arizona desert to the Rocky Mountains, followed by a high probability of seeing the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan during the approach into Midway.
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Mogollon Rim
The massive geological escarpment in Arizona where the desert floor rises sharply into high-altitude pine forests.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored badlands stretching across Northern Arizona, visible shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
San Juan Mountains
Snow-capped peaks of the Southern Rockies in Colorado, offering rugged alpine scenery during the first half of the flight.
Mississippi River
A clear view of the winding 'Father of Waters' as the flight crosses from Iowa or Missouri into Illinois.
Chicago Skyline
On the standard arrival into MDW from the north, the left side captures iconic views of the Willis Tower and the lakefront.
Choose a seat forward of the wing for unobstructed views of the desert terrain. For morning flights, the left side avoids the direct glare of the rising sun, making it easier to photograph the red rocks of Arizona and the Colorado mountains. Watch for the 'Circle City' of Sun City, AZ shortly after takeoff.
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Superstition Mountains
Jagged, legendary mountain range located just east of Phoenix, visible during the initial climb out of PHX.
Great Plains Mosaic
Endless geometric patterns of agricultural circles and squares across Kansas and Missouri.
Kansas City
Depending on the specific flight corridor, you may see the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers near the downtown area.
Midway Neighborhoods
Extremely close-up views of the dense residential bungalow belts of Chicago's south side during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights to watch the sky change colors over the plains without looking into the sun. During the landing phase at Midway, the right side provides a unique perspective of the airport's famous square perimeter and the city's unique grid system at very low altitudes.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 2,320 km (1,442 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 6 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: Domestic
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