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SEA → MDW
Which side of the plane to sit from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle) to Chicago Midway International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of Mount Rainier immediately after takeoff, followed by volcanic peaks, the colorful Badlands of South Dakota, and the iconic Chicago skyline during the final approach into Midway.
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Mount Rainier
A massive, close-up perspective of the glaciated 14,411-foot volcano minutes after takeoff.
Mount St. Helens
The famous cratered volcano and the surrounding blast zone are often visible to the south.
Badlands National Park
Intricate, multi-colored rock formations and deep canyons in western South Dakota.
The Driftless Area
Unique, unglaciated rugged topography across southwest Wisconsin.
Downtown Chicago
The Willis Tower and Lake Michigan waterfront are often perfectly framed during the MDW approach.
United Center
Look for the home of the Bulls and Blackhawks just before touchdown on certain runway patterns.
The right side is the 'photographer's choice.' For the best Rainier views, choose a seat behind the wing to see the mountain's full scale against the horizon. On the approach to Midway, if the plane enters from the west or south, the right side provides a breathtaking view of the Chicago Loop. Morning flights offer the best lighting for the Badlands.
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Northern Cascades
Jagged, snow-capped peaks of Washington's northern range shortly after departure.
Flathead National Forest
Expansive green canopies and glacial valleys as you cross the Montana border.
Missouri River
The winding 'Mighty Mo' carving through the plains of the Dakotas.
Twin Cities
Distant views of Minneapolis and St. Paul's urban centers in Minnesota.
Upper Mississippi River
The broad river valley marking the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Sit on the left if you are flying during the late afternoon to avoid direct sun glare. This side provides excellent views of the Lake Michigan shoreline if the flight path tracks slightly north of Chicago before turning back to land at MDW.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,782 km (1,729 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 43 min
Departure: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Arrival: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)
Route Type: Domestic
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