Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of the Franklin Mountains are more dramatic and sustained than the landing views. While left-side landing views of Lake Michigan and Chicago are pleasant, the mountain scenery during departure is more visually distinctive and geographically significant.
Flown ELP to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
El Paso to Chicago is 1,235 miles (1,988 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, passing over the High Plains and the Canadian River valley. Notable features include the Caprock Escarpment (visible around 45 minutes into flight), the Texas Panhandle's flat agricultural landscape, and the transition into Oklahoma's rolling terrain. The Arkansas River valley becomes visible in the final hour before reaching the Mississippi River, which marks the approach to the Midwest. No major mountain ranges are visible in the midpoint, but the gradual elevation change from the high desert (4,000+ feet) to the plains (2,000-3,000 feet) creates subtle topographic variation.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ELP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Franklin Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeast out of El Paso. The range rises directly to the right of the departure path, providing dramatic close-range views during the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during approach to Midway. The aircraft descends from the southwest over the Chicago metropolitan area, and left-side passengers see Lake Michigan, the downtown skyline, and the surrounding urban landscape as the airport comes into view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Paso International (ELP) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from El Paso to Chicago. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of the Franklin Mountains are more dramatic and sustained than the landing views. While left-side landing views of Lake Michigan and Chicago are pleasant, the mountain scenery during departure is more visually distinctive and geographically significant.
What can I see during takeoff from El Paso International in El Paso?
During takeoff from El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Franklin Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeast out of El Paso. The range rises directly to the right of the departure path, providing dramatic close-range views during the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande valley floor, Ciudad Juárez (Mexico) to the south, El Paso urban sprawl.
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 seats provide the best views during approach to Midway. The aircraft descends from the southwest over the Chicago metropolitan area, and left-side passengers see Lake Michigan, the downtown skyline, and the surrounding urban landscape as the airport comes into view. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, residential neighborhoods of southwest Chicago, Midway Airport runways.
How long is the flight from El Paso to Chicago?
The flight from El Paso International (ELP) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,235 miles (1,988 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the El Paso to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, passing over the High Plains and the Canadian River valley. Notable features include the Caprock Escarpment (visible around 45 minutes into flight), the Texas Panhandle's flat agricultural landscape, and the transition into Oklahoma's rolling terrain. The Arkansas River valley becomes visible in the final hour before reaching the Mississippi River, which marks the approach to the Midwest. No major mountain ranges are visible in the midpoint, but the gradual elevation change from the high desert (4,000+ feet) to the plains (2,000-3,000 feet) creates subtle topographic variation.