Chicago to Bangor is 972 miles (1,564 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Left seats capture the most distinctive geography: the Chicago lakefront during departure and the Penobscot River system during approach. The route crosses the Great Lakes region and New England's forested terrain, with left-side views offering better sightlines to major water features and the transition zones between regions.
Flight Path
Flight path crosses Lake Michigan's eastern shore near Michigan City, Indiana; continues over southern Michigan's agricultural and forested terrain; passes over or near the Michigan-Ohio border region; crosses into Ohio and Pennsylvania airspace; transitions into New York's Finger Lakes region; continues northeast over the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and New York; enters Maine's forested interior before descent into Bangor. Notable water features include Lake Michigan (departure), various smaller lakes in Michigan and New York, and the Penobscot River system (arrival). The route generally follows a northeast corridor with gradual elevation gain as terrain rises from the Great Lakes plain toward New England's higher elevations.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTMidway typically departs eastbound (Runways 31L/31R). Right-side seats face north across Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago metropolitan area's grid pattern, offering clear views of the lakefront and urban sprawl receding northward.
Landing at BGR
LEFTBangor typically lands westbound (Runway 33). Left-side seats face south-southwest during approach, offering views of the Penobscot River valley, Kenduskeag Stream, and the forested terrain surrounding the airport. The descent path crosses over the Penobscot Bay region's transition from coastal features to inland forest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Bangor International (BGR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Bangor. Left seats capture the most distinctive geography: the Chicago lakefront during departure and the Penobscot River system during approach. The route crosses the Great Lakes region and New England's forested terrain, with left-side views offering better sightlines to major water features and the transition zones between regions.
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 eastbound (Runways 31L/31R). Right-side seats face north across Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago metropolitan area's grid pattern, offering clear views of the lakefront and urban sprawl receding northward. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate north), Chicago downtown skyline (northeast), Des Plaines River valley (west, visible as linear green corridor), suburban grid extending to horizon.
What can I see when landing at Bangor International in Bangor?
When landing at Bangor International (BGR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Bangor typically lands westbound (Runway 33). Left-side seats face south-southwest during approach, offering views of the Penobscot River valley, Kenduskeag Stream, and the forested terrain surrounding the airport. The descent path crosses over the Penobscot Bay region's transition from coastal features to inland forest. Notable sights include: Penobscot River (major waterway, visible as dark sinuous line), Kenduskeag Stream (tributary, visible as smaller linear feature), mixed deciduous-coniferous forest (dominant landscape), Bangor city area (small urban cluster visible before landing).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Bangor?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Bangor International (BGR) takes about 2 hours 55 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 Bangor flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses Lake Michigan's eastern shore near Michigan City, Indiana; continues over southern Michigan's agricultural and forested terrain; passes over or near the Michigan-Ohio border region; crosses into Ohio and Pennsylvania airspace; transitions into New York's Finger Lakes region; continues northeast over the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and New York; enters Maine's forested interior before descent into Bangor. Notable water features include Lake Michigan (departure), various smaller lakes in Michigan and New York, and the Penobscot River system (arrival). The route generally follows a northeast corridor with gradual elevation gain as terrain rises from the Great Lakes plain toward New England's higher elevations.