While takeoff favors the left, the landing view from the right is more distinctive and dramatic—the Río de la Plata estuary and approach over water provide a more memorable experience than the departure. Right seats capture the arrival highlight.
Flown MDW to EZE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Buenos Aires is 5,607 miles (9,024 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Caribbean (no significant landmarks visible at cruise altitude), then the northern coast of South America (Andes Mountains visible far to the left/west around 4-5 hours into flight as a distant ridge on the horizon), the Amazon Basin (appears as unbroken green canopy, featureless from 35,000 feet), and finally the Brazilian Plateau and Paraguay before descending into the Río de la Plata basin. The Andes are the only major topographic feature; they appear as a thin, distant line on the western horizon for roughly 1-2 hours during mid-flight, visible primarily from left-side seats.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTMDW typically departs runways 31L/31R (westbound). Left seats face north during climb-out, offering views of downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline as the aircraft banks. Right seats see industrial areas and suburbs to the south.
Landing at EZE
RIGHTEZE uses runways 09/27; most arrivals use 09 (eastbound approach from the Atlantic). Right seats face south during descent, providing views of the Río de la Plata estuary, the approach path over water, and the surrounding pampas landscape. Left seats see the city interior.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Buenos Aires. While takeoff favors the left, the landing view from the right is more distinctive and dramatic—the Río de la Plata estuary and approach over water provide a more memorable experience than the departure. Right seats capture the arrival highlight.
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. MDW typically departs runways 31L/31R (westbound). Left seats face north during climb-out, offering views of downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline as the aircraft banks. Right seats see industrial areas and suburbs to the south. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower visible), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River bend, residential neighborhoods extending west.
What can I see when landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini in Buenos Aires?
When landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE), sit on the Right side for the best views. EZE uses runways 09/27; most arrivals use 09 (eastbound approach from the Atlantic). Right seats face south during descent, providing views of the Río de la Plata estuary, the approach path over water, and the surrounding pampas landscape. Left seats see the city interior. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary (wide, muddy-brown water), Buenos Aires port facilities and container terminals, suburban sprawl of greater Buenos Aires, flat pampas extending to the horizon.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Buenos Aires?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,607 miles (9,024 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Buenos Aires flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caribbean (no significant landmarks visible at cruise altitude), then the northern coast of South America (Andes Mountains visible far to the left/west around 4-5 hours into flight as a distant ridge on the horizon), the Amazon Basin (appears as unbroken green canopy, featureless from 35,000 feet), and finally the Brazilian Plateau and Paraguay before descending into the Río de la Plata basin. The Andes are the only major topographic feature; they appear as a thin, distant line on the western horizon for roughly 1-2 hours during mid-flight, visible primarily from left-side seats.