The left side wins the departure with a clear skyline-and-lakefront view during the turn out of Midway, and it retains a modest edge over cruise with a glimpse of Lake Erie's shoreline, offsetting the right side's better harbor-and-skyline view on arrival into Boston.
Flown MDW to BOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Boston is 858 miles (1,381 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Cleveland/Toledo, the rolling Appalachian Plateau of northern Pennsylvania and southern New York, and the Finger Lakes region before descending toward the Berkshire foothills of western Massachusetts
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTMidway departures generally roll southwest before banking left toward the northeast track for Boston, and that turn swings the nose across downtown Chicago and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Left-side passengers get a banked view of the skyline and lakefront during the climb, while the right side mostly shows flat southwestern suburbs.
Landing at BOS
RIGHTLogan's arrival flow described here brings aircraft south over the harbor toward the runways, and with downtown Boston sitting west of the airport, that skyline falls on the right side of the cabin during the final descent. The left side instead faces open harbor water and outer islands, which is pleasant but less distinctive than the skyline view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Boston. The left side wins the departure with a clear skyline-and-lakefront view during the turn out of Midway, and it retains a modest edge over cruise with a glimpse of Lake Erie's shoreline, offsetting the right side's better harbor-and-skyline view on arrival into Boston.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Midway departures generally roll southwest before banking left toward the northeast track for Boston, and that turn swings the nose across downtown Chicago and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Left-side passengers get a banked view of the skyline and lakefront during the climb, while the right side mostly shows flat southwestern suburbs. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop towers), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's grid of southwest-side neighborhoods.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Logan's arrival flow described here brings aircraft south over the harbor toward the runways, and with downtown Boston sitting west of the airport, that skyline falls on the right side of the cabin during the final descent. The left side instead faces open harbor water and outer islands, which is pleasant but less distinctive than the skyline view. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor Islands, Downtown Boston skyline (Financial District towers, Prudential and Hancock buildings), Charles River mouth.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Boston?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 858 miles (1,381 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Boston flight path pass over?
Southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Cleveland/Toledo, the rolling Appalachian Plateau of northern Pennsylvania and southern New York, and the Finger Lakes region before descending toward the Berkshire foothills of western Massachusetts