Left side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Rocky Mountain Front during departure and the Appalachian foothills and river valleys during the long eastbound cruise. Right side offers some Lake Michigan views on approach, but the takeoff views from the left are more visually distinctive.
Flown COS to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Colorado Springs to Chicago is 915 miles (1,473 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the High Plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas, then transitions into the gently rolling terrain of Missouri and Illinois. Notable features include the South Platte River valley (visible shortly after departure), the Kansas prairie (relatively featureless but expansive), the Missouri River valley (visible as a darker linear feature in central Missouri), and the Illinois River valley as you approach the Chicago area. The Flint Hills of Kansas may be visible as subtle rolling topography on the left side during cruise. No major mountain ranges are visible during the cruise phase—the terrain gradually flattens from the Colorado foothills eastward.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from COS
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Rocky Mountain Front and the Rampart Range as you climb out northeastward. The terrain rises dramatically to the west and northwest, creating a striking visual contrast with the plains spreading eastward.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTRight side provides views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during approach from the west. You'll see the lakefront, Navy Pier, and the Loop's high-rise cluster as you descend toward Midway, which sits on the city's southwest side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Of Colorado Springs Muni (COS) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colorado Springs to Chicago. Left side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Rocky Mountain Front during departure and the Appalachian foothills and river valleys during the long eastbound cruise. Right side offers some Lake Michigan views on approach, but the takeoff views from the left are more visually distinctive.
What can I see during takeoff from City Of Colorado Springs Muni in Colorado Springs?
During takeoff from City Of Colorado Springs Muni (COS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Rocky Mountain Front and the Rampart Range as you climb out northeastward. The terrain rises dramatically to the west and northwest, creating a striking visual contrast with the plains spreading eastward. Notable sights include: Rampart Range (immediately west), Pikes Peak (visible to the southwest at 14,115 ft), Garden of the Gods (distinctive red rock formations north of airport), Colorado Springs urban grid.
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 views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during approach from the west. You'll see the lakefront, Navy Pier, and the Loop's high-rise cluster as you descend toward Midway, which sits on the city's southwest side. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern edge of approach corridor), Chicago downtown skyline and the Loop, Midway Airport runways and surrounding neighborhoods, Des Plaines River valley.
How long is the flight from Colorado Springs to Chicago?
The flight from City Of Colorado Springs Muni (COS) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 915 miles (1,473 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Colorado Springs to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the High Plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas, then transitions into the gently rolling terrain of Missouri and Illinois. Notable features include the South Platte River valley (visible shortly after departure), the Kansas prairie (relatively featureless but expansive), the Missouri River valley (visible as a darker linear feature in central Missouri), and the Illinois River valley as you approach the Chicago area. The Flint Hills of Kansas may be visible as subtle rolling topography on the left side during cruise. No major mountain ranges are visible during the cruise phase—the terrain gradually flattens from the Colorado foothills eastward.