Right-side seats deliver superior scenery for the entire flight: Lake Michigan and Chicago's waterfront during departure, then the dramatic approach to Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountain Front Range during descent. This provides bookend visual highlights.
Flown MDW to COS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Colorado Springs is 915 miles (1,473 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Illinois (flat agricultural terrain with scattered towns and roads), then transitions into Iowa and Missouri airspace. Around the midpoint, the terrain begins to rise subtly as the aircraft approaches the High Plains. The Missouri River may be visible as a dark linear feature if the flight passes near its course. As the aircraft continues westward, the landscape gradually transitions from green farmland to drier, more open plains. The Rocky Mountain Front Range becomes visible on the western horizon roughly 40-50 minutes before landing, with Pikes Peak emerging as a distinct peak in the final 20 minutes of descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the initial climb-out westward from Midway. The lake's expanse and the contrast between urban Chicago and open water make for compelling early scenery.
Landing at COS
RIGHTRight-side seats provide the best views during descent into Colorado Springs, with direct sightlines of Pikes Peak and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. These peaks dominate the approach from the east and create the most dramatic visual finale.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to City Of Colorado Springs Muni (COS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Colorado Springs. Right-side seats deliver superior scenery for the entire flight: Lake Michigan and Chicago's waterfront during departure, then the dramatic approach to Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountain Front Range during descent. This provides bookend visual highlights.
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 offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the initial climb-out westward from Midway. The lake's expanse and the contrast between urban Chicago and open water make for compelling early scenery. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Calumet River industrial area, suburban sprawl extending west.
What can I see when landing at City Of Colorado Springs Muni in Colorado Springs?
When landing at City Of Colorado Springs Muni (COS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide the best views during descent into Colorado Springs, with direct sightlines of Pikes Peak and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. These peaks dominate the approach from the east and create the most dramatic visual finale. Notable sights include: Pikes Peak (14,115 ft), Front Range foothills, Garden of the Gods red rock formations, Colorado Springs urban grid.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Colorado Springs?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to City Of Colorado Springs Muni (COS) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 915 miles (1,473 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Colorado Springs flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Illinois (flat agricultural terrain with scattered towns and roads), then transitions into Iowa and Missouri airspace. Around the midpoint, the terrain begins to rise subtly as the aircraft approaches the High Plains. The Missouri River may be visible as a dark linear feature if the flight passes near its course. As the aircraft continues westward, the landscape gradually transitions from green farmland to drier, more open plains. The Rocky Mountain Front Range becomes visible on the western horizon roughly 40-50 minutes before landing, with Pikes Peak emerging as a distinct peak in the final 20 minutes of descent.