While takeoff scenery is minimal on both sides, the left side's approach into Midway offers a brief but genuine view of the Chicago skyline and lakefront, giving it the edge over the mostly flat Midwest farmland seen elsewhere.
Flown GRR to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Grand Rapids to Chicago is 137 miles (220 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Flat Midwest farmland of southwestern Michigan and northern Illinois, with Lake Michigan visible to the north of the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GRR
RIGHTDeparting GRR to the west/southwest, the right side offers glimpses of Lake Michigan's shoreline in the distance as the flight path curves toward Chicago, while the left side just shows flat farmland.
Landing at MDW
LEFTArriving into MDW from the east/northeast, the left side gives passengers a great view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline before the final turn onto the runway, a classic scenic approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gerald R Ford International (GRR) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Grand Rapids to Chicago. While takeoff scenery is minimal on both sides, the left side's approach into Midway offers a brief but genuine view of the Chicago skyline and lakefront, giving it the edge over the mostly flat Midwest farmland seen elsewhere.
What can I see during takeoff from Gerald R Ford International in Grand Rapids?
During takeoff from Gerald R Ford International (GRR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing GRR to the west/southwest, the right side offers glimpses of Lake Michigan's shoreline in the distance as the flight path curves toward Chicago, while the left side just shows flat farmland. Notable sights include: Grand River valley, patchwork farmland, distant Lake Michigan shoreline haze.
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. Arriving into MDW from the east/northeast, the left side gives passengers a great view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline before the final turn onto the runway, a classic scenic approach. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's dense residential grid.
How long is the flight from Grand Rapids to Chicago?
The flight from Gerald R Ford International (GRR) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 137 miles (220 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Grand Rapids to Chicago flight path pass over?
Flat Midwest farmland of southwestern Michigan and northern Illinois, with Lake Michigan visible to the north of the flight path