While takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, the landing approach into Albany provides more sustained and dramatic scenery with the Hudson River valley and Catskill Mountains. The left side captures these features most effectively during descent.
Flown MDW to ALB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Albany is 716 miles (1,152 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central New York State, passing over the Finger Lakes region (visible as elongated north-south water bodies if flying directly overhead), the Mohawk Valley, and the transition from the Appalachian Plateau to the Hudson River valley. The landscape shifts from the flat Great Lakes basin through rolling farmland and forests to the more pronounced topography of the eastern Catskills.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Midway. You'll see the Chicago shoreline and the lake's expanse, which provides the most distinctive visual reference during the initial climb-out.
Landing at ALB
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Hudson River valley and the Catskill Mountains during descent into Albany. The river's distinctive meanders and the forested ridge lines of the Catskills create strong visual landmarks as you approach from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Albany International (ALB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Albany. While takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, the landing approach into Albany provides more sustained and dramatic scenery with the Hudson River valley and Catskill Mountains. The left side captures these features most effectively during descent.
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. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Midway. You'll see the Chicago shoreline and the lake's expanse, which provides the most distinctive visual reference during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline (south and east), Des Plaines River valley, suburban Chicago grid.
What can I see when landing at Albany International in Albany?
When landing at Albany International (ALB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Hudson River valley and the Catskill Mountains during descent into Albany. The river's distinctive meanders and the forested ridge lines of the Catskills create strong visual landmarks as you approach from the west. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, Albany city center, Mohawk River confluence.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Albany?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Albany International (ALB) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 716 miles (1,152 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Albany flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central New York State, passing over the Finger Lakes region (visible as elongated north-south water bodies if flying directly overhead), the Mohawk Valley, and the transition from the Appalachian Plateau to the Hudson River valley. The landscape shifts from the flat Great Lakes basin through rolling farmland and forests to the more pronounced topography of the eastern Catskills.