The takeoff views of Lake Michigan and Chicago are more visually compelling and distinctive than the landing approach. While the Houston industrial corridor is interesting, Lake Michigan and the city skyline offer superior scenic value for a window seat passenger.
Flown MDW to IAH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Houston is 919 miles (1,478 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Mississippi River valley near St. Louis (visible from cruising altitude as a broad meandering river with bluffs), Ozark plateau terrain in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, Louisiana coastal plains and bayou country approaching the Gulf Coast region
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTLeft side offers views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, plus the Chicago skyline and urban sprawl extending south and west. Right side faces inland terrain with less distinctive early scenery.
Landing at IAH
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Houston Ship Channel, Buffalo Bayou, and the industrial refineries and petrochemical facilities that define the approach corridor into IAH. Left side shows less visually distinctive terrain during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Houston. The takeoff views of Lake Michigan and Chicago are more visually compelling and distinctive than the landing approach. While the Houston industrial corridor is interesting, Lake Michigan and the city skyline offer superior scenic value for a window seat passenger.
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. Left side offers views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, plus the Chicago skyline and urban sprawl extending south and west. Right side faces inland terrain with less distinctive early scenery. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern shore), Chicago downtown skyline, Des Plaines River valley, suburban grid extending southwest.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Houston Ship Channel, Buffalo Bayou, and the industrial refineries and petrochemical facilities that define the approach corridor into IAH. Left side shows less visually distinctive terrain during descent. Notable sights include: Houston Ship Channel, Buffalo Bayou, industrial refineries and tank farms, Galveston Bay (distant).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Houston?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 919 miles (1,478 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Houston flight path pass over?
Mississippi River valley near St. Louis (visible from cruising altitude as a broad meandering river with bluffs), Ozark plateau terrain in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, Louisiana coastal plains and bayou country approaching the Gulf Coast region