The right side captures both meaningful urban landmarks of the trip — the Dallas skyline at departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan at arrival — while the left side offers only flat, featureless plains for the entire flight.
Flown DAL to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dallas to Chicago is 794 miles (1,277 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of Oklahoma and Missouri, with the Mississippi River occasionally visible as a wide brown ribbon near the Missouri-Illinois border during cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DAL
RIGHTDeparting Love Field toward the north-northeast, the Dallas downtown skyline with its distinctive Reunion Tower and skyscraper cluster sits just off the right side as the aircraft climbs out, giving a brief but genuine urban view before the flat plains take over.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTOn approach into Midway from the south, the descent path curves the aircraft to bring the Chicago skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan into view on the right side, offering the strongest visual payoff of the whole flight.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dallas Love Fld (DAL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dallas to Chicago. The right side captures both meaningful urban landmarks of the trip — the Dallas skyline at departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan at arrival — while the left side offers only flat, featureless plains for the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Dallas Love Fld in Dallas?
During takeoff from Dallas Love Fld (DAL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Love Field toward the north-northeast, the Dallas downtown skyline with its distinctive Reunion Tower and skyscraper cluster sits just off the right side as the aircraft climbs out, giving a brief but genuine urban view before the flat plains take over. Notable sights include: Downtown Dallas skyline, Reunion Tower, Trinity River, White Rock Lake.
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. On approach into Midway from the south, the descent path curves the aircraft to bring the Chicago skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan into view on the right side, offering the strongest visual payoff of the whole flight. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears Tower area), Lake Michigan shoreline, Loop district, Midway's grid of residential streets.
How long is the flight from Dallas to Chicago?
The flight from Dallas Love Fld (DAL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 794 miles (1,277 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dallas to Chicago flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Oklahoma and Missouri, with the Mississippi River occasionally visible as a wide brown ribbon near the Missouri-Illinois border during cruise.