While the Chicago and Las Vegas bookends favor the right side, most of the flight is spent crossing Colorado and Utah, where the Rocky Mountains, canyon country, and Great Basin ranges are visible on the left side for a sustained, dramatic stretch of the cruise phase.
Flown MDW to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Las Vegas is 1,517 miles (2,442 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
The Rocky Mountains near the Colorado Front Range, the canyons and mesas of Utah's Colorado Plateau (San Rafael Swell and Green River country), and the arid mountain-and-basin terrain of eastern Nevada
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTDeparting Midway on runway 22L toward the southwest, the initial climb and turn put downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan off the right side of the aircraft, giving a brief but clear view of the skyline and shoreline before the plane settles onto its westbound cruise track.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTArrivals into Las Vegas landing west on 26L/26R fly just south of the Strip, putting the hotel towers and casino corridor directly off the right side of the cabin during final descent, with the Spring Mountains visible beyond as a backdrop.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Las Vegas. While the Chicago and Las Vegas bookends favor the right side, most of the flight is spent crossing Colorado and Utah, where the Rocky Mountains, canyon country, and Great Basin ranges are visible on the left side for a sustained, dramatic stretch of the cruise phase.
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. Departing Midway on runway 22L toward the southwest, the initial climb and turn put downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan off the right side of the aircraft, giving a brief but clear view of the skyline and shoreline before the plane settles onto its westbound cruise track. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline (Willis Tower), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's surrounding southwest-side street grid.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Las Vegas landing west on 26L/26R fly just south of the Strip, putting the hotel towers and casino corridor directly off the right side of the cabin during final descent, with the Spring Mountains visible beyond as a backdrop. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip (Luxor pyramid, Bellagio, Stratosphere Tower), Spring Mountains, downtown Las Vegas skyline.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Las Vegas?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,517 miles (2,442 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The Rocky Mountains near the Colorado Front Range, the canyons and mesas of Utah's Colorado Plateau (San Rafael Swell and Green River country), and the arid mountain-and-basin terrain of eastern Nevada