Right-side seats win both segments of this flight. Takeoff offers Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan; landing provides the Cumberland River, Nashville's downtown, and Tennessee's rolling landscape. The flight path itself (southwest from Chicago to Nashville) means right-side passengers face the more interesting geography throughout.
Flight Path
The flight crosses central Indiana and western Kentucky. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible on descent into Nashville), scattered lakes in Indiana, and the transition from flat Midwest terrain to the rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau. The Wabash River valley and various reservoirs dot the route, though they appear as thin lines from cruise altitude. No major mountain ranges are visible—the Appalachian foothills only become pronounced south of the flight path.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Nashville. Right-side seats win both segments of this flight. Takeoff offers Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan; landing provides the Cumberland River, Nashville's downtown, and Tennessee's rolling landscape. The flight path itself (southwest from Chicago to Nashville) means right-side passengers face the more interesting geography throughout.
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 capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as you climb out. Midway typically departs runways 31L/31R or 13L/13R depending on wind; either direction gives right-side passengers a view of downtown Chicago's high-rises and the lake's eastern shoreline during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Trump Tower visible as white spires), Lake Michigan shoreline, Bridgeport neighborhood industrial areas, Des Plaines River valley.
What can I see when landing at Nashville International in Nashville?
When landing at Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer the best approach views into Nashville. Most arrivals use runways 20L/20R or 02L/02R; a right-hand approach to 20-series runways gives excellent views of the Cumberland River, downtown Nashville's skyline, and the rolling terrain south of the airport. Notable sights include: Cumberland River (distinctive S-curve through Nashville), downtown Nashville skyline (Broadway district visible), Percy Priest Lake to the east, rolling Tennessee hills.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Nashville?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Nashville International (BNA) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Chicago to Nashville flight path pass over?
The flight crosses central Indiana and western Kentucky. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible on descent into Nashville), scattered lakes in Indiana, and the transition from flat Midwest terrain to the rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau. The Wabash River valley and various reservoirs dot the route, though they appear as thin lines from cruise altitude. No major mountain ranges are visible—the Appalachian foothills only become pronounced south of the flight path.