While the left side offers excellent mountain scenery during takeoff, the right side delivers more visually dramatic content during the longer descent phase into Chicago, including Lake Michigan and the skyline. For a full flight experience, right side edges out left.
Flown AVL to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Asheville to Chicago is 521 miles (838 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau and transitions into the Ohio River valley. Notable midpoint features include the Cumberland Plateau (visible around 90 minutes into flight), the Ohio River itself (around 2 hours), and the transition into the flat glacial plains of Indiana and Illinois. The terrain gradually flattens from the mountainous terrain of eastern Tennessee and Kentucky into the agricultural flatlands of central Illinois. No major mountain ranges are visible in the midpoint, but the Ohio River valley provides a linear geographic reference point.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AVL
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Asheville. The ridgelines and valleys of this major Appalachian range dominate the early climb phase.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTRight side provides the best views during descent into Chicago. The aircraft approaches Midway from the south/southwest, and the right side captures Lake Michigan's shoreline, the Chicago skyline, and the urban grid of the South Side as the aircraft descends through 8,000-3,000 feet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Asheville to Chicago. While the left side offers excellent mountain scenery during takeoff, the right side delivers more visually dramatic content during the longer descent phase into Chicago, including Lake Michigan and the skyline. For a full flight experience, right side edges out left.
What can I see during takeoff from Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville?
During takeoff from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Asheville. The ridgelines and valleys of this major Appalachian range dominate the early climb phase. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, French Broad River valley, Asheville urban area, Pisgah National Forest ridgelines.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best views during descent into Chicago. The aircraft approaches Midway from the south/southwest, and the right side captures Lake Michigan's shoreline, the Chicago skyline, and the urban grid of the South Side as the aircraft descends through 8,000-3,000 feet. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline, Midway International Airport, Chicago South Side grid pattern.
How long is the flight from Asheville to Chicago?
The flight from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 521 miles (838 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Asheville to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau and transitions into the Ohio River valley. Notable midpoint features include the Cumberland Plateau (visible around 90 minutes into flight), the Ohio River itself (around 2 hours), and the transition into the flat glacial plains of Indiana and Illinois. The terrain gradually flattens from the mountainous terrain of eastern Tennessee and Kentucky into the agricultural flatlands of central Illinois. No major mountain ranges are visible in the midpoint, but the Ohio River valley provides a linear geographic reference point.