The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a strong Las Vegas Strip departure view and a Chicago skyline/Lake Michigan glimpse on arrival — while the right side over the Great Plains cruise offers little beyond flat farmland.
Flown LAS to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Las Vegas to Chicago is 1,517 miles (2,442 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Colorado Rockies foothills near the Wyoming-Nebraska border, then the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Nebraska and Iowa
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAS
LEFTDeparting LAS southbound before the turn northeast, the left side offers a sweeping view of the Las Vegas Strip and downtown skyline against the surrounding desert mountains, a distinctive and recognizable urban panorama rarely matched on the opposite side.
Landing at MDW
LEFTOn approach into MDW from the southwest, the left side faces north toward downtown Chicago, offering a glimpse of the skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan before the final turn onto the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to Chicago. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a strong Las Vegas Strip departure view and a Chicago skyline/Lake Michigan glimpse on arrival — while the right side over the Great Plains cruise offers little beyond flat farmland.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
During takeoff from Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LAS southbound before the turn northeast, the left side offers a sweeping view of the Las Vegas Strip and downtown skyline against the surrounding desert mountains, a distinctive and recognizable urban panorama rarely matched on the opposite side. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip, downtown Las Vegas, Spring Mountains, Frenchman Mountain.
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. On approach into MDW from the southwest, the left side faces north toward downtown Chicago, offering a glimpse of the skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's grid-like southwest neighborhoods.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to Chicago?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,517 miles (2,442 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Las Vegas to Chicago flight path pass over?
Colorado Rockies foothills near the Wyoming-Nebraska border, then the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Nebraska and Iowa