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SAN → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
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.
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.
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.
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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