Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to Chicago. Right-side seats capture the most distinctive features: Austin's downtown and Lady Bird Lake on departure, and the flight path northeastward across central Texas and southern Illinois offers occasional views of the Illinois River valley and scattered lakes. While Midway's landing favors the left, the takeoff advantage and mid-flight geography favor the right side overall.

During takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Austin typically departs eastbound (Runway 17L/R or 35L/R depending on wind). Right-side seats capture the Colorado River winding through downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake immediately after rotation, with the Hill Country terrain rising to the west in the background. Notable sights include: Lady Bird Lake (downtown Austin's central water feature), Colorado River (visible as it flows southeast), downtown Austin skyline (modest but distinctive cluster), Hill Country limestone ridges (western horizon).

When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Chicago Midway typically lands westbound (Runway 31L/R or 13L/R). Left-side seats on approach offer views of the Chicago River's North Branch, downtown's Loop district, and Lake Michigan's shoreline. The descent path over the city provides excellent perspective of the urban grid and water features. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (massive blue expanse to the east), Chicago River and North Branch (dark water threading through downtown), The Loop (downtown grid of tall buildings), Midway's immediate surroundings (industrial and residential neighborhoods).

The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses central Texas (Hill Country gradually flattening), then enters Oklahoma with the Red River visible as a boundary feature, continues northeast across Oklahoma's prairie terrain, crosses into Missouri near the Ozark plateau's northern edge (subtle elevation visible around 25,000+ feet), then transitions into Illinois where the Illinois River valley becomes visible during descent into the Chicago area. The landscape transitions from Texas limestone hills to flat prairie to glaciated Midwestern terrain.