While takeoff offers good Chicago views, the landing approach into ABQ provides the more dramatic and sustained visual experience—the Sandia Mountains are a striking landmark visible for 30+ minutes of descent, and the Rio Grande valley geography is distinctive. Left seats capture these features optimally.
Flown MDW to ABQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Albuquerque is 1,119 miles (1,801 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mississippi River near St. Louis, then continues southwest over the Ozark Plateau in Missouri and Arkansas (rolling, forested terrain), transitions into the flat High Plains of Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle (sparse vegetation, occasional lakes), then climbs gradually into New Mexico's high desert with mesas and volcanic features becoming visible 100 miles east of ABQ. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains may be visible to the north near the Colorado border during the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTMidway typically departs westbound on runways 4L/4R or 13L/13R. Right-side seats offer views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan receding eastward during climb-out, plus the Des Plaines River valley and suburban sprawl to the west.
Landing at ABQ
LEFTApproaching ABQ typically uses runways 3 or 21 depending on wind. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Sandia Mountains' dramatic eastern escarpment, the Rio Grande valley, and Albuquerque's urban layout spread across the high desert plain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Albuquerque. While takeoff offers good Chicago views, the landing approach into ABQ provides the more dramatic and sustained visual experience—the Sandia Mountains are a striking landmark visible for 30+ minutes of descent, and the Rio Grande valley geography is distinctive. Left seats capture these features optimally.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Midway typically departs westbound on runways 4L/4R or 13L/13R. Right-side seats offer views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan receding eastward during climb-out, plus the Des Plaines River valley and suburban sprawl to the west. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern horizon), Chicago downtown skyline, Des Plaines River valley, suburban Cook County grid.
What can I see when landing at Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?
When landing at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching ABQ typically uses runways 3 or 21 depending on wind. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Sandia Mountains' dramatic eastern escarpment, the Rio Grande valley, and Albuquerque's urban layout spread across the high desert plain. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains (eastern ridge), Rio Grande valley, Albuquerque urban grid, high desert mesas to the west.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Albuquerque?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,119 miles (1,801 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Albuquerque flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mississippi River near St. Louis, then continues southwest over the Ozark Plateau in Missouri and Arkansas (rolling, forested terrain), transitions into the flat High Plains of Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle (sparse vegetation, occasional lakes), then climbs gradually into New Mexico's high desert with mesas and volcanic features becoming visible 100 miles east of ABQ. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains may be visible to the north near the Colorado border during the final descent phase.