The right side offers a scenic coastal departure from Fort Lauderdale and a rewarding glimpse of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on arrival, while the left side sees only flat, featureless terrain during both phases and a largely unremarkable Midwest cruise in between.
Flown FLL to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fort Lauderdale to Chicago is 1,169 miles (1,881 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses flat agricultural land over Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky with no major mountain ranges or rivers of note directly along the flight path.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FLL
RIGHTDeparting FLL on runway 10 heads east over the coast before turning north toward Chicago, giving right-side passengers a brief but clear view of Fort Lauderdale's beaches, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic shoreline. The left side only shows the flat Everglades interior.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTArrivals into Midway from the south commonly swing over Chicago's south side before final approach, giving right-side passengers a view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the downtown skyline in the distance. The left side mostly shows flat suburban grids with no distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago. The right side offers a scenic coastal departure from Fort Lauderdale and a rewarding glimpse of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on arrival, while the left side sees only flat, featureless terrain during both phases and a largely unremarkable Midwest cruise in between.
What can I see during takeoff from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
During takeoff from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing FLL on runway 10 heads east over the coast before turning north toward Chicago, giving right-side passengers a brief but clear view of Fort Lauderdale's beaches, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic shoreline. The left side only shows the flat Everglades interior. Notable sights include: Fort Lauderdale Beach, Port Everglades, Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic coastline.
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. Arrivals into Midway from the south commonly swing over Chicago's south side before final approach, giving right-side passengers a view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the downtown skyline in the distance. The left side mostly shows flat suburban grids with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline, Willis Tower, Chicago south side neighborhoods.
How long is the flight from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago?
The flight from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,169 miles (1,881 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fort Lauderdale to Chicago flight path pass over?
The route crosses flat agricultural land over Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky with no major mountain ranges or rivers of note directly along the flight path.