While takeoff offers pleasant rural Georgia views, the landing approach into Chicago provides far more dramatic and distinctive scenery—Lake Michigan's shoreline and the city's iconic skyline make the left side the superior choice for the overall flight.
Flown ABY to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Albany to Chicago is 735 miles (1,183 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Tennessee River valley near Chattanooga, Cumberland Plateau escarpment, Ohio River near Louisville, Indiana agricultural plains, and the transition into the Great Lakes region as the flight approaches Illinois
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABY
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Flint River valley and the agricultural landscape south of Albany as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The terrain gradually transitions from the coastal plain toward the piedmont, providing continuous ground reference during the initial climb.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago metropolitan area during descent into Midway. The approach typically brings the aircraft over the lake's western shore, offering clear sightlines to downtown Chicago's skyline and the residential neighborhoods of the South Side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Albany to Chicago. While takeoff offers pleasant rural Georgia views, the landing approach into Chicago provides far more dramatic and distinctive scenery—Lake Michigan's shoreline and the city's iconic skyline make the left side the superior choice for the overall flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany?
During takeoff from Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Flint River valley and the agricultural landscape south of Albany as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The terrain gradually transitions from the coastal plain toward the piedmont, providing continuous ground reference during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Flint River, Albany city grid, Lake Blackshear (visible ~20 miles northwest), agricultural patchwork of south-central Georgia.
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 provides excellent views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago metropolitan area during descent into Midway. The approach typically brings the aircraft over the lake's western shore, offering clear sightlines to downtown Chicago's skyline and the residential neighborhoods of the South Side. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline, Midway International Airport, residential grid of South Side Chicago.
How long is the flight from Albany to Chicago?
The flight from Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 735 miles (1,183 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Albany to Chicago flight path pass over?
Tennessee River valley near Chattanooga, Cumberland Plateau escarpment, Ohio River near Louisville, Indiana agricultural plains, and the transition into the Great Lakes region as the flight approaches Illinois