The left side wins for its combination of a dramatic mountain-flanked departure out of Burbank and a skyline glimpse on arrival into Midway, while the right side mostly faces flat basin and suburban sprawl with less variety.
Flown BUR to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Burbank to Chicago is 1,736 miles (2,794 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Southern Rocky Mountains near Colorado, high plains of Kansas, and the Mississippi River valley are crossed during cruise, though largely from high altitude with limited close-up detail.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUR
LEFTDeparting BUR on Runway 15, the aircraft banks left into its eastward turn, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the San Gabriel Mountains rising sharply north of the Valley. As the climb continues east, the San Bernardino Mountains and the edge of the Mojave Desert stay visible on that side.
Landing at MDW
LEFTOn a typical approach to Runway 13C from the northwest, left-side passengers get a good angled view of the downtown Chicago skyline and a sliver of Lake Michigan before the turn onto final approach over Midway's dense southwest-side neighborhoods.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burbank to Chicago. The left side wins for its combination of a dramatic mountain-flanked departure out of Burbank and a skyline glimpse on arrival into Midway, while the right side mostly faces flat basin and suburban sprawl with less variety.
What can I see during takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
During takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BUR on Runway 15, the aircraft banks left into its eastward turn, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the San Gabriel Mountains rising sharply north of the Valley. As the climb continues east, the San Bernardino Mountains and the edge of the Mojave Desert stay visible on that side. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, San Bernardino Mountains, Mojave Desert edge.
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. On a typical approach to Runway 13C from the northwest, left-side passengers get a good angled view of the downtown Chicago skyline and a sliver of Lake Michigan before the turn onto final approach over Midway's dense southwest-side neighborhoods. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Sears/Willis Tower area, Midway's residential grid.
How long is the flight from Burbank to Chicago?
The flight from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,736 miles (2,794 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burbank to Chicago flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains near Colorado, high plains of Kansas, and the Mississippi River valley are crossed during cruise, though largely from high altitude with limited close-up detail.