About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Dallas Love Fld (DAL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Dallas. Right-side seats win overall due to superior takeoff views of Chicago's iconic skyline and Lake Michigan, which outweigh the landing advantage of the left side. The climb-out from Midway offers more dramatic and recognizable landmarks than the approach into Love Field.
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 during the initial climb. Midway typically departs runways 4L/4R or 13L/13R; runway 4 departures heading northeast offer the best skyline view as you bank right over the lake. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Trump Tower visible), Lake Michigan shoreline, Burnham Park and Museum Campus, South Side residential grid extending inland.
What can I see when landing at Dallas Love Fld in Dallas?
When landing at Dallas Love Fld (DAL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Trinity River, downtown Dallas skyline, and Dealey Plaza area during approach. Love Field typically uses runways 18L/18R (south approaches) or 1L/1R (north approaches); southbound approaches descending over the city offer the best downtown and river views on the left. Notable sights include: Trinity River and its distinctive bend through downtown, Dallas downtown skyline (Reunion Tower, Bank of America Plaza), Dealey Plaza and the grassy knoll area, White Rock Lake to the east.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Dallas?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Dallas Love Fld (DAL) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Chicago to Dallas flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Illinois (flat agricultural terrain with sparse towns), then enters Missouri airspace over the Mississippi River valley near St. Louis (the river itself visible as a major geographic divider), continues south through Missouri and into Oklahoma/Texas panhandle region (rolling prairie and grassland becoming increasingly visible), with the Red River marking the Texas-Oklahoma border visible during descent into the Dallas area.