Chicago to Los Angeles flight pathMDWLAX

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 time4h 15m
Distance1,747
Heading262° → 243°

Chicago to Los Angeles is 1,747 miles (2,812 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.

Best side
Right
★ 2.5 left·★ 4.0 right

The right side offers a brief glimpse of Chicago's skyline on departure and, more importantly, a dramatic view of the San Gabriel Mountains and LA basin during the descent into LAX, while the left side mostly overlooks flat plains and open desert with little variation.

Takeoff · MDWRIGHTChicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Willis Tower area
Landing · LAXRIGHTSan Gabriel Mountains, Hollywood Hills sign area, San Fernando Valley

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Great Plains of Nebraska and eastern Colorado, the Rocky Mountains' Front Range near Denver, and the arid basins of Utah and Nevada leading into the Mojave Desert

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Chicago (right side) — Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Willis Tower area, checkerboard Midwest farmland

Takeoff from MDW

RIGHT

Departures from Midway often turn southwest, briefly putting downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline in view on the right side before the plane settles onto its westward course over flat Illinois farmland.

Chicago skylineLake Michigan shorelineWillis Tower areacheckerboard Midwest farmland
Aerial window seat view during landing at Los Angeles (right side) — San Gabriel Mountains, Hollywood Hills sign area, San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles skyline

Landing at LAX

RIGHT

On the standard west-flow approach into LAX, the descent path crosses the San Gabriel Mountains and passes north of downtown LA, giving right-side passengers views of the rugged peaks and the Hollywood Hills before the turn onto final approach over the city.

San Gabriel MountainsHollywood Hills sign areaSan Fernando Valleydowntown Los Angeles skyline

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Los Angeles. The right side offers a brief glimpse of Chicago's skyline on departure and, more importantly, a dramatic view of the San Gabriel Mountains and LA basin during the descent into LAX, while the left side mostly overlooks flat plains and open desert with little variation.

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. Departures from Midway often turn southwest, briefly putting downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline in view on the right side before the plane settles onto its westward course over flat Illinois farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Willis Tower area, checkerboard Midwest farmland.

What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?

When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the standard west-flow approach into LAX, the descent path crosses the San Gabriel Mountains and passes north of downtown LA, giving right-side passengers views of the rugged peaks and the Hollywood Hills before the turn onto final approach over the city. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Hollywood Hills sign area, San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles skyline.

How long is the flight from Chicago to Los Angeles?

The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,747 miles (2,812 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Chicago to Los Angeles flight path pass over?

Great Plains of Nebraska and eastern Colorado, the Rocky Mountains' Front Range near Denver, and the arid basins of Utah and Nevada leading into the Mojave Desert