The takeoff climb-out offers more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Sandia Mountains. While the landing approach provides good urban views, the mountain scenery at departure is more visually distinctive and memorable for a full-flight experience.
Flown ABQ to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Albuquerque to Chicago is 1,119 miles (1,801 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, passing west of the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma (visible from either side around 1.5 hours into flight). The Canadian River valley and High Plains plateau dominate the middle portion. As the aircraft approaches the Mississippi River near St. Louis (around 2.5 hours), the river becomes visible as a distinctive meandering line. The final approach crosses Illinois farmland and the Des Plaines River valley before reaching Lake Michigan.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABQ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Sandia Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeast out of ABQ. The range rises sharply to the east and will dominate the right window during the initial climb phase.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Midway. The aircraft descends from the southwest, and left-side passengers see Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, and the city's grid pattern as the plane lines up for runway 31L or 31C.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Albuquerque to Chicago. The takeoff climb-out offers more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Sandia Mountains. While the landing approach provides good urban views, the mountain scenery at departure is more visually distinctive and memorable for a full-flight experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?
During takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Sandia Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeast out of ABQ. The range rises sharply to the east and will dominate the right window during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains (east), Rio Grande valley (west/below), Albuquerque urban grid (directly below during climb-out), Manzano Mountains (southeast, distant).
What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Midway. The aircraft descends from the southwest, and left-side passengers see Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, and the city's grid pattern as the plane lines up for runway 31L or 31C. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (north and east of approach path), Chicago downtown skyline (northeast), Midway Airport grounds (directly below during final descent), suburban Chicago grid (south and west).
How long is the flight from Albuquerque to Chicago?
The flight from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,119 miles (1,801 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Albuquerque to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, passing west of the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma (visible from either side around 1.5 hours into flight). The Canadian River valley and High Plains plateau dominate the middle portion. As the aircraft approaches the Mississippi River near St. Louis (around 2.5 hours), the river becomes visible as a distinctive meandering line. The final approach crosses Illinois farmland and the Des Plaines River valley before reaching Lake Michigan.