The right side captures both the Chicago skyline glimpse at departure and the dramatic Glacier National Park mountain approach at landing, while the left side offers flat plains for nearly the entire flight with no comparable payoff.
Flown MDW to FCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Kalispell is 1,362 miles (2,192 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of Minnesota and North Dakota, with the first foothills of the Rocky Mountains appearing near the Montana border as the flight approaches Glacier Park
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTMidway typically departs to the southwest before turning northwest toward Montana, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side briefly during the turn. The left side just shows flat suburban grids receding into farmland.
Landing at FCA
RIGHTOn approach into Kalispell, the descent path crosses the Flathead Valley with the jagged peaks of Glacier National Park and the Whitefish Range visible to the north on the right side. The left side mostly shows the lower, less dramatic Mission Mountains and valley farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Kalispell. The right side captures both the Chicago skyline glimpse at departure and the dramatic Glacier National Park mountain approach at landing, while the left side offers flat plains for nearly the entire flight with no comparable payoff.
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. Midway typically departs to the southwest before turning northwest toward Montana, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side briefly during the turn. The left side just shows flat suburban grids receding into farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's surrounding grid streets.
What can I see when landing at Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell?
When landing at Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Kalispell, the descent path crosses the Flathead Valley with the jagged peaks of Glacier National Park and the Whitefish Range visible to the north on the right side. The left side mostly shows the lower, less dramatic Mission Mountains and valley farmland. Notable sights include: Glacier National Park peaks, Whitefish Range, Flathead Lake, Flathead Valley farmland.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Kalispell?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,362 miles (2,192 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Kalispell flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Minnesota and North Dakota, with the first foothills of the Rocky Mountains appearing near the Montana border as the flight approaches Glacier Park