The right side strings together a rare glimpse of the Chicago skyline at takeoff, distant views of the southern Rockies and Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque during cruise, and a mountain-framed desert approach into Phoenix — giving it noticeably more variety and landmark density than the flatter, less distinctive southern side.
Flown MDW to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Phoenix is 1,441 miles (2,319 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Great Plains of Kansas and the Oklahoma/Texas panhandle, the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque, and the Sandia Mountains with the Sangre de Cristo range visible to the north
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTDepartures off Midway heading west typically bank north to get established on course, opening up a view of the downtown Chicago skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side just after liftoff. The left side mostly shows flat South Side neighborhoods and suburban grid streets with nothing distinctive.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn the descent into Phoenix from the northeast, the right side faces the North Phoenix and Scottsdale desert, where the reddish spike of Camelback Mountain and the sandstone buttes of Papago Park stand out clearly against the Sonoran desert floor. The left side mostly faces South Mountain, which is farther from the flight path and less visually prominent during final approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Phoenix. The right side strings together a rare glimpse of the Chicago skyline at takeoff, distant views of the southern Rockies and Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque during cruise, and a mountain-framed desert approach into Phoenix — giving it noticeably more variety and landmark density than the flatter, less distinctive southern side.
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 off Midway heading west typically bank north to get established on course, opening up a view of the downtown Chicago skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side just after liftoff. The left side mostly shows flat South Side neighborhoods and suburban grid streets with nothing distinctive. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's surrounding grid neighborhoods.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Phoenix from the northeast, the right side faces the North Phoenix and Scottsdale desert, where the reddish spike of Camelback Mountain and the sandstone buttes of Papago Park stand out clearly against the Sonoran desert floor. The left side mostly faces South Mountain, which is farther from the flight path and less visually prominent during final approach. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, Papago Park buttes, McDowell Mountains, Sonoran desert terrain near Scottsdale.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Phoenix?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,441 miles (2,319 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Kansas and the Oklahoma/Texas panhandle, the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque, and the Sandia Mountains with the Sangre de Cristo range visible to the north