The left side wins both ends of this flight. Departing CLT you get Charlotte's skyline and Lake Norman, and arriving at MDW you get the full Chicago lakefront panorama with the downtown skyline and Lake Michigan. The right side offers little of comparable interest at either end.
Flown CLT to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charlotte to Chicago is 584 miles (940 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the Kentucky bluegrass region, crossing the Ohio River near Louisville or Cincinnati, then over flat Indiana farmland — the classic Midwest grid of agricultural fields becomes visible from cruising altitude as a vast patchwork of squares in muted greens and browns. No dramatic terrain features; the landscape is predominantly flat to gently rolling from southern Indiana northward into Illinois.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLT
LEFTCharlotte Douglas primarily departs northbound on runways 18C/18L/18R or uses runway 36 configurations. On a northbound departure toward Chicago, the left (west) side gives you a clear view back over Charlotte's uptown skyline as you climb out. The right side faces east toward suburban sprawl with less visual interest.
Landing at MDW
LEFTMidway typically lands on runway 31C/31L heading northwest, or runway 13C/13L heading southeast. On approach from the south-southeast, the left side faces northeast toward downtown Chicago's lakefront skyline and Lake Michigan. The iconic Chicago skyline with the Willis Tower and the blue expanse of Lake Michigan are clearly visible on the left during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to Chicago. The left side wins both ends of this flight. Departing CLT you get Charlotte's skyline and Lake Norman, and arriving at MDW you get the full Chicago lakefront panorama with the downtown skyline and Lake Michigan. The right side offers little of comparable interest at either end.
What can I see during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
During takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Charlotte Douglas primarily departs northbound on runways 18C/18L/18R or uses runway 36 configurations. On a northbound departure toward Chicago, the left (west) side gives you a clear view back over Charlotte's uptown skyline as you climb out. The right side faces east toward suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Charlotte uptown skyline, Lake Norman to the northwest, Catawba River corridor, South Carolina piedmont to the south.
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. Midway typically lands on runway 31C/31L heading northwest, or runway 13C/13L heading southeast. On approach from the south-southeast, the left side faces northeast toward downtown Chicago's lakefront skyline and Lake Michigan. The iconic Chicago skyline with the Willis Tower and the blue expanse of Lake Michigan are clearly visible on the left during final approach. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River corridor, Soldier Field and Museum Campus.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to Chicago?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 584 miles (940 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charlotte to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Kentucky bluegrass region, crossing the Ohio River near Louisville or Cincinnati, then over flat Indiana farmland — the classic Midwest grid of agricultural fields becomes visible from cruising altitude as a vast patchwork of squares in muted greens and browns. No dramatic terrain features; the landscape is predominantly flat to gently rolling from southern Indiana northward into Illinois.