While takeoff offers good Chicago views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the Mississippi River's iconic crescent bend, Lake Pontchartrain, and the delta landscape are visually superior to the midpoint prairie crossing.
Flown MDW to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to New Orleans is 827 miles (1,330 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Illinois prairie and farmland, Mississippi River valley near St. Louis area, transition from temperate deciduous forest to subtropical wetlands, Arkansas and Mississippi lowlands
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as you climb out southwestward from Midway. The lake's eastern shoreline and downtown high-rises are prominent during the initial climb before the aircraft turns toward the Gulf.
Landing at MSY
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River delta and the New Orleans metropolitan area during descent. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders, Lake Pontchartrain to the north, and the city's layout along the crescent bend of the river.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to New Orleans. While takeoff offers good Chicago views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the Mississippi River's iconic crescent bend, Lake Pontchartrain, and the delta landscape are visually superior to the midpoint prairie crossing.
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. Right-side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as you climb out southwestward from Midway. The lake's eastern shoreline and downtown high-rises are prominent during the initial climb before the aircraft turns toward the Gulf. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern shore), Chicago downtown skyline, Illinois prairie extending south, Des Plaines River valley.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River delta and the New Orleans metropolitan area during descent. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders, Lake Pontchartrain to the north, and the city's layout along the crescent bend of the river. Notable sights include: Mississippi River delta and meanders, Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans urban area, coastal wetlands and bayou.
How long is the flight from Chicago to New Orleans?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 827 miles (1,330 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to New Orleans flight path pass over?
Illinois prairie and farmland, Mississippi River valley near St. Louis area, transition from temperate deciduous forest to subtropical wetlands, Arkansas and Mississippi lowlands