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.

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.

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.

The flight from Long Beach (LGB) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes Approximately 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.