Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan is more visually distinctive and memorable than the landing view. The climb-out from Midway offers unobstructed views of one of America's most recognizable skylines, while the descent into Columbus, though pleasant, shows primarily suburban terrain and a smaller downtown cluster.
Flown MDW to CMH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Columbus is 282 miles (454 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Indiana at cruise altitude (typically 25,000-30,000 feet). Notable features include the Wabash River valley (visible as a darker linear feature in the terrain), scattered lakes in northern Indiana, and the gradual transition from flat Illinois prairie to the slightly more rolling terrain of central Indiana. The landscape is predominantly agricultural with a regular grid of fields and scattered small towns. No major mountain ranges or dramatic terrain features are visible at cruise altitude on this route.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as you climb out westbound. Midway typically departs runways 04L/04R or 13L/13R; westbound departures on 04 give the best view of downtown Chicago and the lakefront receding to your right.
Landing at CMH
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Scioto River, downtown Columbus, and the surrounding terrain as you descend into CMH. Typical landing runways are 10L/10R or 28L/28R; eastbound approaches on runway 10 position left-side passengers to see the city and river valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Port Columbus International (CMH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Columbus. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan is more visually distinctive and memorable than the landing view. The climb-out from Midway offers unobstructed views of one of America's most recognizable skylines, while the descent into Columbus, though pleasant, shows primarily suburban terrain and a smaller downtown cluster.
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 westbound. Midway typically departs runways 04L/04R or 13L/13R; westbound departures on 04 give the best view of downtown Chicago and the lakefront receding to your right. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Trump Tower visible in cluster), Lake Michigan shoreline, Cicero and suburban grid pattern extending west.
What can I see when landing at Port Columbus International in Columbus?
When landing at Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Scioto River, downtown Columbus, and the surrounding terrain as you descend into CMH. Typical landing runways are 10L/10R or 28L/28R; eastbound approaches on runway 10 position left-side passengers to see the city and river valley. Notable sights include: Scioto River and its valley, downtown Columbus skyline (LeVeque Tower, Capitol Square), suburban Columbus sprawl and tree-covered terrain.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Columbus?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Port Columbus International (CMH) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 282 miles (454 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Columbus flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Indiana at cruise altitude (typically 25,000-30,000 feet). Notable features include the Wabash River valley (visible as a darker linear feature in the terrain), scattered lakes in northern Indiana, and the gradual transition from flat Illinois prairie to the slightly more rolling terrain of central Indiana. The landscape is predominantly agricultural with a regular grid of fields and scattered small towns. No major mountain ranges or dramatic terrain features are visible at cruise altitude on this route.