Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Reno. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Chicago departure over Lake Michigan and the city skyline, then offer consistent views of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain approaches during cruise. The Sierra Nevada arrival on the left is visually striking, but the takeoff experience from Midway is superior on the right.

During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Midway typically departs westbound on runways 4L/4R or 13L/13R. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan's shoreline receding eastward, then the Chicago skyline and grid pattern of the city spreading south and west. Left seats face inland immediately. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern horizon), Chicago downtown skyline, Des Plaines River valley, suburban sprawl extending west toward Joliet.

When landing at Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Reno typically lands on runways 16L/16R or 34L/34R depending on wind. Left-side seats during approach from the east offer dramatic views of the Sierra Nevada range rising sharply from the high desert floor, with Washoe Lake visible to the north and the Truckee River drainage visible below. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada mountain range (western horizon), Washoe Lake (north), Truckee River valley, high desert scrubland.

The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

After climbing out of Chicago, the flight crosses the Des Plaines River valley, then the Illinois prairie. Over Iowa and Nebraska, the Platte River valley becomes visible as a green corridor through the Great Plains. As the flight approaches Colorado and Wyoming, the Rocky Mountain foothills appear on the western horizon around 2.5 hours into the flight. The Wasatch Range (Utah/Wyoming border) may be visible to the south depending on exact routing. The final approach crosses the high desert of northwestern Nevada, with the Sierra Nevada range dominating the western view during descent into Reno.