DPA

Best window seat at Du Page

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears Tower area), Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance

LandingLEFT

Cantigny Park, Chicago skyline (distant, clear days)

🛫 Taking Off from West Chicago (DPA)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting south on runway 20R, the left side faces east toward downtown Chicago, only about 25 miles away. On a clear day you can pick out the Chicago skyline and even a sliver of Lake Michigan beyond it as you climb out. The right side just shows flat Illinois farmland and suburbs, less visually interesting.
Look forChicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears Tower area), Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance, DuPage County suburbs, Fox River valley

🛬 Landing at West Chicago (DPA)

Best sideLeft
WhyOn approach to 20R you're flying south, so the left side faces east toward downtown Wheaton and Cantigny Park, with the Chicago skyline sometimes visible in the distance on clear days. The right side mostly shows flat farmland and subdivisions with fewer distinguishing features.
Look forCantigny Park (Wheaton), Chicago skyline (distant, clear days), DuPage River corridor, Blackwell Forest Preserve

DuPage Airport is a general aviation reliever airport serving corporate, charter, and private aircraft rather than commercial airline traffic. It features a large terminal facility with FBO services and is one of the busiest GA airports in Illinois, supporting significant business jet traffic for the Chicago metro area.

⛰️ Elevation761 ft
🛫 Runways4 (02L/20R, 02R/20L, 10/28, 15/33)
📍 NearbyORD 19 miMDW 27 miGYY 47 miRFD 48 miMKE 74 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Du Page (DPA)?

At Du Page in West Chicago: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears Tower area), Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance, DuPage County suburbs, Fox River valley.

What can I see during takeoff from Du Page in West Chicago?

When taking off from Du Page (DPA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing south on runway 20R, the left side faces east toward downtown Chicago, only about 25 miles away. On a clear day you can pick out the Chicago skyline and even a sliver of Lake Michigan beyond it as you climb out. The right side just shows flat Illinois farmland and suburbs, less visually interesting. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears Tower area), Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance, DuPage County suburbs, Fox River valley.

What can I see when landing at Du Page in West Chicago?

When landing at Du Page (DPA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to 20R you're flying south, so the left side faces east toward downtown Wheaton and Cantigny Park, with the Chicago skyline sometimes visible in the distance on clear days. The right side mostly shows flat farmland and subdivisions with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Cantigny Park (Wheaton), Chicago skyline (distant, clear days), DuPage River corridor, Blackwell Forest Preserve.

What factors affect the best window seat at Du Page?

The best window seat at Du Page (DPA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around West Chicago (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.