The takeoff view from Long Beach is more visually distinctive—the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island provide clear, recognizable geography. While the landing into Midway offers the Chicago skyline, the takeoff experience edges ahead for scenic variety and the open ocean perspective.
Flown LGB to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Long Beach to Chicago is 1,738 miles (2,797 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Rocky Mountains (visible around 2 hours into flight, typically the Wasatch Range near Utah or the Colorado Rockies depending on routing), the Great Plains of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska (vast, flat, with sparse settlement patterns), and approaches Lake Michigan from the west. The Continental Divide is the most dramatic midpoint landmark, appearing as a north-south ridge of peaks roughly 1.5-2 hours into the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGB
RIGHTLong Beach typically departs westbound (Runways 25L/25R), so right-side seats face the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island. Left seats see the Los Angeles urban sprawl inland, which is less distinctive at altitude.
Landing at MDW
LEFTChicago Midway typically lands eastbound (Runways 04L/04R), so left-side seats face Lake Michigan and the downtown Chicago skyline during approach. Right seats see industrial areas and residential neighborhoods west of the airport.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Long Beach (LGB) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Long Beach to Chicago. The takeoff view from Long Beach is more visually distinctive—the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island provide clear, recognizable geography. While the landing into Midway offers the Chicago skyline, the takeoff experience edges ahead for scenic variety and the open ocean perspective.
What can I see during takeoff from Long Beach in Long Beach?
During takeoff from Long Beach (LGB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Long Beach typically departs westbound (Runways 25L/25R), so right-side seats face the Pacific Ocean and Santa Catalina Island. Left seats see the Los Angeles urban sprawl inland, which is less distinctive at altitude. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean, Santa Catalina Island (visible as a dark landmass 20+ miles offshore), Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Harbor.
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. Chicago Midway typically lands eastbound (Runways 04L/04R), so left-side seats face Lake Michigan and the downtown Chicago skyline during approach. Right seats see industrial areas and residential neighborhoods west of the airport. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Midway Airport itself, Illinois prairie extending west.
How long is the flight from Long Beach to Chicago?
The flight from Long Beach (LGB) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,738 miles (2,797 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Long Beach to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Rocky Mountains (visible around 2 hours into flight, typically the Wasatch Range near Utah or the Colorado Rockies depending on routing), the Great Plains of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska (vast, flat, with sparse settlement patterns), and approaches Lake Michigan from the west. The Continental Divide is the most dramatic midpoint landmark, appearing as a north-south ridge of peaks roughly 1.5-2 hours into the flight.