While takeoff offers good river views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery with Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The left side captures the most visually distinctive part of the route.
Flown DET to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Chicago is 247 miles (397 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses southern Michigan and northern Indiana. Notable features include the Michigan-Indiana border region (around 41.8°N), the flat agricultural landscape of northwest Indiana, and the approach to Lake Michigan's southern shore near Gary, Indiana. The terrain transitions from Michigan's mixed urban-suburban areas to Indiana's industrial corridor and farmland before reaching the Chicago metropolitan area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTRight side captures the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario immediately after departure. Westbound climbs from DET typically use runways 3L/3R or 9L/9R depending on wind; westbound departures provide the clearest view of the river corridor and Lake St. Clair to the northeast.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, and the approach corridor into Midway. Typical landing runways at MDW are 31L/31R or 4L/4R; eastbound approaches from Detroit provide excellent left-side views of the lakefront and downtown Chicago before descent into the airport on the southwest side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Chicago. While takeoff offers good river views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery with Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The left side captures the most visually distinctive part of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit City in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario immediately after departure. Westbound climbs from DET typically use runways 3L/3R or 9L/9R depending on wind; westbound departures provide the clearest view of the river corridor and Lake St. Clair to the northeast. Notable sights include: Detroit River (flowing north-south between Detroit and Windsor), Lake St. Clair (large freshwater lake northeast of Detroit), Windsor skyline across the river, Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit to Canada.
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 offers views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, and the approach corridor into Midway. Typical landing runways at MDW are 31L/31R or 4L/4R; eastbound approaches from Detroit provide excellent left-side views of the lakefront and downtown Chicago before descent into the airport on the southwest side. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (massive freshwater lake on Chicago's east side), Chicago downtown skyline with Willis Tower visible, Midway Airport runways and surrounding neighborhoods, the Chicago Lakeshore and Grant Park.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Chicago?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 247 miles (397 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses southern Michigan and northern Indiana. Notable features include the Michigan-Indiana border region (around 41.8°N), the flat agricultural landscape of northwest Indiana, and the approach to Lake Michigan's southern shore near Gary, Indiana. The terrain transitions from Michigan's mixed urban-suburban areas to Indiana's industrial corridor and farmland before reaching the Chicago metropolitan area.