The right side captures the only two moments of real scenic interest on this otherwise flat-plains route: a glimpse of the Chicago skyline on departure and the Texas Hill Country with Lake Travis on arrival into Austin.
Flown MDW to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Austin is 972 miles (1,564 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, Ozark Plateau of southern Missouri, and the flat agricultural plains of Arkansas and north Texas
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTDeparting MDW to the southeast before turning southwest toward Texas, the right side offers a brief but clear view back toward the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline as the aircraft banks. The left side mostly shows flat suburban grid streets with no distinguishing features.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTOn approach to AUS from the north, landing south on the 18 runways, the right side faces west toward the Texas Hill Country, where rolling limestone hills and the blue ribbon of Lake Travis become visible during the descent. The left side shows flatter Blackland Prairie terrain with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Austin. The right side captures the only two moments of real scenic interest on this otherwise flat-plains route: a glimpse of the Chicago skyline on departure and the Texas Hill Country with Lake Travis on arrival into Austin.
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. Departing MDW to the southeast before turning southwest toward Texas, the right side offers a brief but clear view back toward the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline as the aircraft banks. The left side mostly shows flat suburban grid streets with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway suburbs grid.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to AUS from the north, landing south on the 18 runways, the right side faces west toward the Texas Hill Country, where rolling limestone hills and the blue ribbon of Lake Travis become visible during the descent. The left side shows flatter Blackland Prairie terrain with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Texas Hill Country ridgelines, Lake Travis, Colorado River bends, Austin skyline in distance.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Austin?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 972 miles (1,564 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Austin flight path pass over?
Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, Ozark Plateau of southern Missouri, and the flat agricultural plains of Arkansas and north Texas