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SAN destination photo
MDW destination photo

SANMDW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the San Bernardino Mountains and the spectacular Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan during the descent into Midway.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

San Jacinto Peak

Towering 10,000-foot peaks visible immediately after the plane turns east from the coast.

🏜️

Painted Desert

Vast, colorful geological formations stretching across Northern Arizona and the Colorado Plateau.

🏙️

Kansas City

Aerial views of the Missouri River and the downtown skyline during the mid-flight cruise.

🌊

Lake Michigan

Deep blue water and the dramatic shoreline as the aircraft aligns for its final approach.

🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Iconic views of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers when landing from the north or east.

Sit on the left for the best chance of seeing the Chicago skyline during arrival. For afternoon flights, the sun is positioned on the right side of the aircraft, providing the left side with clear, shadow-free views perfect for photography.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Salton Sea

A massive, shimmering saline lake visible in the distance shortly after departing Southern California.

🏜️

Sonoran Desert

The rugged landscapes of Southern Arizona, often passing near the Phoenix metropolitan area.

🪨

New Mexico Mesas

Stunning flat-topped mountains and red rock country throughout the American Southwest.

💧

Mississippi River

The expansive crossing of the United States' largest river system near the Illinois border.

🌾

Heartland Patterns

The intricate patchwork of geometric crop circles and farmlands across the Great Plains.

The right side is ideal for morning flights as the sun will be behind you or directly above, illuminating the desert floor. Be aware that midday flights may experience significant glare and heat on this side due to the southern sun exposure.

Top Activities in Chicago
Route Information

Distance: 2,776 km (1,725 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min

Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)

Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)

Route Type: Domestic

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