Los Angeles to Chicago is 1,747 miles (2,812 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
The right side wins because it captures the dramatic LA basin and mountain departure plus glimpses of the Rocky Mountains' Front Range near Denver during cruise, while the left side is dominated by flat Great Basin and Plains scenery with only a brief skyline reward at the very end near Chicago.
Flight Path
Mojave Desert, Colorado Rocky Mountains (Front Range near Denver), Great Plains farmland across Nebraska and Iowa, Mississippi River crossing near the Iowa-Illinois border
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTEastbound LAX departures typically climb out over the ocean before banking north and then east, putting the Los Angeles basin and San Gabriel Mountains on the right side. Passengers get a sweeping view of downtown LA, the San Fernando Valley, and the mountain wall before the plane turns toward the desert.
Landing at MDW
LEFTOn approach to Midway using runway 13C, aircraft typically descend from the northwest, putting downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan on the left side of the plane. Passengers get a brief but clear look at the skyline and lakefront before the turn onto final approach over the South Side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Chicago. The right side wins because it captures the dramatic LA basin and mountain departure plus glimpses of the Rocky Mountains' Front Range near Denver during cruise, while the left side is dominated by flat Great Basin and Plains scenery with only a brief skyline reward at the very end near Chicago.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Eastbound LAX departures typically climb out over the ocean before banking north and then east, putting the Los Angeles basin and San Gabriel Mountains on the right side. Passengers get a sweeping view of downtown LA, the San Fernando Valley, and the mountain wall before the plane turns toward the desert. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Hollywood Hills.
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 to Midway using runway 13C, aircraft typically descend from the northwest, putting downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan on the left side of the plane. Passengers get a brief but clear look at the skyline and lakefront before the turn onto final approach over the South Side. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago South Side neighborhoods, Marquette Park area.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Chicago?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,747 miles (2,812 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Chicago flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, Colorado Rocky Mountains (Front Range near Denver), Great Plains farmland across Nebraska and Iowa, Mississippi River crossing near the Iowa-Illinois border