The left side delivers the dramatic Manhattan and Jamaica Bay departure sequence, which is the visual highlight of the flight. The right side wins on landing, but the Chicago approach views, while good, are less spectacular than the New York departure. For the full flight, left side edges it overall, and the midpoint over Pennsylvania and Ohio offers little from either side.
Flown JFK to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Chicago is 730 miles (1,174 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly along 41 degrees north latitude, crossing the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania (low, forested ridges visible as dark green corrugated terrain), then the flat agricultural plains of central Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Ohio-Indiana border region is almost entirely flat farmland with a grid road pattern. No major water bodies cross the direct route until the Chicago lakefront on arrival.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK primarily departs westbound on runway 31L/31R or eastbound on 22L/22R. On the dominant westbound departures heading northwest, the left side captures Jamaica Bay, the Manhattan skyline, and the Hudson River as the aircraft turns toward Chicago. The right side faces south toward the Atlantic with little to see.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTMidway typically receives arrivals from the east on runway 31C/31L heading northwest, or from the south on runway 4R heading northeast. On the common easterly approach, the right side faces north and captures Lake Michigan's southern shoreline, the Chicago lakefront, and the downtown Loop skyline. The left side looks south over flat suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Chicago. The left side delivers the dramatic Manhattan and Jamaica Bay departure sequence, which is the visual highlight of the flight. The right side wins on landing, but the Chicago approach views, while good, are less spectacular than the New York departure. For the full flight, left side edges it overall, and the midpoint over Pennsylvania and Ohio offers little from either side.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK primarily departs westbound on runway 31L/31R or eastbound on 22L/22R. On the dominant westbound departures heading northwest, the left side captures Jamaica Bay, the Manhattan skyline, and the Hudson River as the aircraft turns toward Chicago. The right side faces south toward the Atlantic with little to see. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Hudson River, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
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. Midway typically receives arrivals from the east on runway 31C/31L heading northwest, or from the south on runway 4R heading northeast. On the common easterly approach, the right side faces north and captures Lake Michigan's southern shoreline, the Chicago lakefront, and the downtown Loop skyline. The left side looks south over flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan southern shoreline, Chicago Loop skyline, Grant Park, Calumet industrial waterway.
How long is the flight from New York to Chicago?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 730 miles (1,174 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly along 41 degrees north latitude, crossing the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania (low, forested ridges visible as dark green corrugated terrain), then the flat agricultural plains of central Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Ohio-Indiana border region is almost entirely flat farmland with a grid road pattern. No major water bodies cross the direct route until the Chicago lakefront on arrival.