Although the San Diego landing is spectacular on the left, the right side wins the overall flight because of an extended, dramatic cruise segment over the southern Rockies, the Four Corners canyonlands, and the Grand Canyon and San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff - scenery the left side cannot match during the long middle portion of the flight.
Flown MDW to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to San Diego is 1,725 miles (2,776 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
The route crosses the Great Plains of Kansas, clips the southern Colorado Rockies near the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan ranges, passes close to the Four Corners region, and skirts the Grand Canyon and San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff before crossing the Colorado River and the Sonoran Desert near the Salton Sea on the way into San Diego.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTDeparting Midway toward the southwest, the right side offers a brief look back at the Chicago Loop skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan before the city gives way to flat Illinois farmland. The left side only shows suburban grid streets with no notable landmarks.
Landing at SAN
LEFTSAN's well-known approach to Runway 27 swings over Mission Valley and Balboa Park before lining up for landing, putting downtown San Diego's skyline, San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma directly on the left side in the final minutes of flight.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to San Diego. Although the San Diego landing is spectacular on the left, the right side wins the overall flight because of an extended, dramatic cruise segment over the southern Rockies, the Four Corners canyonlands, and the Grand Canyon and San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff - scenery the left side cannot match during the long middle portion of the flight.
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. Departing Midway toward the southwest, the right side offers a brief look back at the Chicago Loop skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan before the city gives way to flat Illinois farmland. The left side only shows suburban grid streets with no notable landmarks. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. SAN's well-known approach to Runway 27 swings over Mission Valley and Balboa Park before lining up for landing, putting downtown San Diego's skyline, San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma directly on the left side in the final minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma.
How long is the flight from Chicago to San Diego?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,725 miles (2,776 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to San Diego flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Great Plains of Kansas, clips the southern Colorado Rockies near the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan ranges, passes close to the Four Corners region, and skirts the Grand Canyon and San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff before crossing the Colorado River and the Sonoran Desert near the Salton Sea on the way into San Diego.