MDW

Best window seat at Chicago Midway International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown Chicago skyline, Lake Calumet industrial area

LandingLEFT

Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance

🛫 Taking Off from Chicago (MDW)

Best sideLeft
WhyOn the common southeast departure off 31C, the left side faces northeast, giving you a clear view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline rising in the distance as the plane climbs. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with little to distinguish it.
Look forLake Michigan shoreline, downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower area), Lake Calumet industrial area, South Side Chicago street grid
Left window seat view during takeoff from Chicago (MDW) — Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower area), Lake Calumet industrial area, South Side Chicago street gridLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Chicago (MDW) — Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower area), Lake Calumet industrial area, South Side Chicago street gridRight Side

🛬 Landing at Chicago (MDW)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 13C, the aircraft approaches from the northwest and flies southeast toward Midway. That puts downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan off to the left (northeast) side, offering a nice skyline view before the plane turns final over the city's south side neighborhoods.
Look forDowntown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance, Chicago's south side residential grid, occasional glimpse of the Museum Campus area
Left window seat view during landing at Chicago (MDW) — Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance, Chicago's south side residential grid, occasional glimpse of the Museum Campus areaLeft Side
ChicagoPhoto: Qiang Lai

Midway is a compact, single-terminal airport that's much smaller than O'Hare, making it a favorite for travelers who prefer faster security lines and shorter walks to gates. It's a historic airport (one of the busiest in the world before O'Hare's expansion) and remains a primary base for Southwest Airlines.

⛰️ Elevation620 ft
🛫 Runways4 (13L/31R, 04R/22L, 04L/22R, 13R/31L)
✈️ HubSouthwest Airlines
📍 NearbyORD 16 miGYY 21 miMGC 48 miSBN 74 miRFD 75 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Chicago Midway International (MDW)?

At Chicago Midway International in Chicago: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower area), Lake Calumet industrial area, South Side Chicago street grid.

What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?

When taking off from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the common southeast departure off 31C, the left side faces northeast, giving you a clear view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline rising in the distance as the plane climbs. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower area), Lake Calumet industrial area, South Side Chicago street grid.

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. Landing on runway 13C, the aircraft approaches from the northwest and flies southeast toward Midway. That puts downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan off to the left (northeast) side, offering a nice skyline view before the plane turns final over the city's south side neighborhoods. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance, Chicago's south side residential grid, occasional glimpse of the Museum Campus area.

What factors affect the best window seat at Chicago Midway International?

The best window seat at Chicago Midway International (MDW) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Chicago (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.