Right-side seats offer better views on both legs: Columbus's urban features during departure and the approach path over Illinois farmland and suburban Chicago during descent. Left seats have one strong segment (Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago on approach) but miss the takeoff scenery.
Flown CMH to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Columbus to Chicago is 282 miles (454 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Ohio's agricultural landscape, then enters Indiana's flat farmland. Around the midpoint, you'll pass over the Indiana-Illinois border near the Kankakee River area. The landscape remains predominantly rural and flat throughout the flight, with scattered small towns and agricultural fields. As you approach Chicago, suburban development becomes increasingly dense, and Lake Michigan becomes visible on the eastern horizon during the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Columbus's urban grid and the Scioto River as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the downtown skyline and surrounding suburban sprawl receding beneath you.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Midway. You'll see Lake Michigan's shoreline, Chicago's downtown skyline, and the city's grid pattern as you descend from the southeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Columbus to Chicago. Right-side seats offer better views on both legs: Columbus's urban features during departure and the approach path over Illinois farmland and suburban Chicago during descent. Left seats have one strong segment (Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago on approach) but miss the takeoff scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Columbus International in Columbus?
During takeoff from Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Columbus's urban grid and the Scioto River as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the downtown skyline and surrounding suburban sprawl receding beneath you. Notable sights include: Scioto River, downtown Columbus skyline, suburban Columbus neighborhoods, Ohio farmland to the north.
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 seats provide excellent views during the approach to Midway. You'll see Lake Michigan's shoreline, Chicago's downtown skyline, and the city's grid pattern as you descend from the southeast. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Chicago grid street pattern, Midway Airport runways.
How long is the flight from Columbus to Chicago?
The flight from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 282 miles (454 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Columbus to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Ohio's agricultural landscape, then enters Indiana's flat farmland. Around the midpoint, you'll pass over the Indiana-Illinois border near the Kankakee River area. The landscape remains predominantly rural and flat throughout the flight, with scattered small towns and agricultural fields. As you approach Chicago, suburban development becomes increasingly dense, and Lake Michigan becomes visible on the eastern horizon during the final descent phase.