The right side wins narrowly thanks to the Lake St. Clair view on departure and the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline visible on arrival, while the left side offers only flat, featureless Midwest farmland and suburbs throughout the short flight.
Flown DTW to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Chicago is 228 miles (366 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Southern Michigan farmland and small towns, with the flight path passing near the southern basin of Lake Michigan before reaching Chicago's outer suburbs
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTDeparting DTW to the southwest, the right side offers a brief glimpse back toward the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair basin before the plane turns onto its westward track over flat farmland. The left side shows only featureless agricultural land from the start.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTOn approach into Midway, the flight path crosses the southern tip of Lake Michigan, and the Chicago skyline becomes visible off to the north on the right side of the aircraft before the final turn to land. The left side only shows suburban Chicagoland sprawl with no major landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Chicago. The right side wins narrowly thanks to the Lake St. Clair view on departure and the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline visible on arrival, while the left side offers only flat, featureless Midwest farmland and suburbs throughout the short flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DTW to the southwest, the right side offers a brief glimpse back toward the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair basin before the plane turns onto its westward track over flat farmland. The left side shows only featureless agricultural land from the start. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Detroit River corridor, southeastern Michigan farmland 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. On approach into Midway, the flight path crosses the southern tip of Lake Michigan, and the Chicago skyline becomes visible off to the north on the right side of the aircraft before the final turn to land. The left side only shows suburban Chicagoland sprawl with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Southern Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Midway's dense residential grid.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Chicago?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 228 miles (366 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Chicago flight path pass over?
Southern Michigan farmland and small towns, with the flight path passing near the southern basin of Lake Michigan before reaching Chicago's outer suburbs