Chicago to El Paso flight pathMDWELP

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time3h 15m
Distance1,235
Heading242° → 231°
Best side
Right

Right-side seats deliver superior scenery for both departure and arrival phases. The Lake Michigan views during climb-out and the dramatic Franklin Mountains during descent make the right side the clear winner for this westbound route.

Flown MDW to ELP? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Chicago to El Paso is 1,235 miles (1,988 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.

Missouri River near Kansas City, Flint Hills of Kansas, Raton Pass area (Colorado-New Mexico border), Sangre de Cristo Mountains, high plains of northeastern New Mexico

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Chicago (right side) — Lake Michigan (eastern shore), Des Plaines River, Illinois prairie, Chicago metropolitan area receding eastward

Takeoff from MDW

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, followed by the Des Plaines River valley and the Illinois prairie extending westward. Left-side views are dominated by urban sprawl and industrial areas with minimal scenic value.

Lake MichiganDes Plaines RiverIllinois prairieChicago metropolitan area receding eastward
MDW Chicago Midway InternationalHub for Southwest Airlines

Landing at ELP

RIGHT

Right-side seats provide excellent views of the Franklin Mountains as the aircraft descends into El Paso, plus the Rio Grande valley and the city sprawl below. Left-side views show mostly desert and distant mountains with less dramatic relief.

Franklin MountainsRio Grande valleyEl Paso city gridChihuahuan Desert
ELP El Paso InternationalEl Paso, United States

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to El Paso International (ELP)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to El Paso. Right-side seats deliver superior scenery for both departure and arrival phases. The Lake Michigan views during climb-out and the dramatic Franklin Mountains during descent make the right side the clear winner for this westbound route.

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 immediately after departure, followed by the Des Plaines River valley and the Illinois prairie extending westward. Left-side views are dominated by urban sprawl and industrial areas with minimal scenic value. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern shore), Des Plaines River, Illinois prairie, Chicago metropolitan area receding eastward.

What can I see when landing at El Paso International in El Paso?

When landing at El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views of the Franklin Mountains as the aircraft descends into El Paso, plus the Rio Grande valley and the city sprawl below. Left-side views show mostly desert and distant mountains with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande valley, El Paso city grid, Chihuahuan Desert.

How long is the flight from Chicago to El Paso?

The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to El Paso International (ELP) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,235 miles (1,988 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Chicago to El Paso flight path pass over?

Missouri River near Kansas City, Flint Hills of Kansas, Raton Pass area (Colorado-New Mexico border), Sangre de Cristo Mountains, high plains of northeastern New Mexico