Right side wins overall because the departure views of Chicago and Lake Michigan are more visually striking and iconic than the landing views. While the San Gabriel Mountains on approach are dramatic, the Chicago skyline and lakefront during climb-out provide more sustained, recognizable geography.
Flown MDW to ONT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Ontario is 1,702 miles (2,740 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and enters the Rocky Mountain region around Colorado/New Mexico border. Notable midpoint features include the Colorado River drainage system visible in northern Arizona/southern Utah, the Kaibab Plateau region, and the transition from high desert to lower Mojave terrain. Lake Powell may be visible on clear days during the southern Colorado Plateau crossing. The flight typically cruises at 35,000-37,000 feet over this section, making individual landmarks appear small but the overall terrain patterns—canyon systems, plateau edges, and color transitions from green to tan—are distinctive.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTRight side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as you climb out. Midway typically departs runways 4L/4R or 13L/13R; either direction gives right-side views of the downtown core and the lake's eastern shoreline during the initial climb.
Landing at ONT
LEFTLeft side provides views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Inland Empire's sprawl as you descend into Ontario. Typical landing runways 8L/8R or 26L/26R both favor left-side views of the mountain range and the desert terrain that defines this region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Ontario International (ONT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Ontario. Right side wins overall because the departure views of Chicago and Lake Michigan are more visually striking and iconic than the landing views. While the San Gabriel Mountains on approach are dramatic, the Chicago skyline and lakefront during climb-out provide more sustained, recognizable geography.
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. Midway typically departs runways 4L/4R or 13L/13R; either direction gives right-side views of the downtown core and the lake's eastern shoreline during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower visible), Lake Michigan shoreline, Bridgeport neighborhood industrial areas, Des Plaines River valley.
What can I see when landing at Ontario International in Ontario?
When landing at Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Inland Empire's sprawl as you descend into Ontario. Typical landing runways 8L/8R or 26L/26R both favor left-side views of the mountain range and the desert terrain that defines this region. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (snow-capped peaks visible in winter/spring), Inland Empire urban sprawl (San Bernardino, Riverside), Cajon Pass corridor, Mojave Desert floor.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Ontario?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Ontario International (ONT) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,702 miles (2,740 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Ontario flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and enters the Rocky Mountain region around Colorado/New Mexico border. Notable midpoint features include the Colorado River drainage system visible in northern Arizona/southern Utah, the Kaibab Plateau region, and the transition from high desert to lower Mojave terrain. Lake Powell may be visible on clear days during the southern Colorado Plateau crossing. The flight typically cruises at 35,000-37,000 feet over this section, making individual landmarks appear small but the overall terrain patterns—canyon systems, plateau edges, and color transitions from green to tan—are distinctive.