The right side delivers a stronger arc of scenery across the whole flight: Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at takeoff, the northern Rockies and Glacier country during cruise, and the North Cascades with Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless northern plains with no comparable landmarks.
Flown MDW to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Seattle is 1,729 miles (2,782 km), a flight of about 4 hours 25 minutes.
Northern Great Plains of North Dakota, the Missouri River valley, and the Rocky Mountain Front near Montana's Glacier Country, followed by the Bitterroot Mountains and the North Cascades approaching Washington state
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTDeparting MDW, the aircraft typically turns toward the northwest track for Seattle, swinging the downtown Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline into view on the right side during the initial climb. The left side only shows Chicago's flat southern suburbs receding into haze.
Landing at SEA
RIGHTOn the descent into SEA from the east, the approach path curves over the North Cascades and down toward Puget Sound, putting the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains on the right side of the aircraft as it lines up for final approach. The left side mostly faces inland suburbs and Lake Washington with less dramatic scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Seattle. The right side delivers a stronger arc of scenery across the whole flight: Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at takeoff, the northern Rockies and Glacier country during cruise, and the North Cascades with Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless northern plains with no comparable landmarks.
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 MDW, the aircraft typically turns toward the northwest track for Seattle, swinging the downtown Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline into view on the right side during the initial climb. The left side only shows Chicago's flat southern suburbs receding into haze. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's surrounding grid of southside neighborhoods.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into SEA from the east, the approach path curves over the North Cascades and down toward Puget Sound, putting the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains on the right side of the aircraft as it lines up for final approach. The left side mostly faces inland suburbs and Lake Washington with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: North Cascades foothills, Puget Sound and Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains on the horizon.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Seattle?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 4 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,729 miles (2,782 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Seattle flight path pass over?
Northern Great Plains of North Dakota, the Missouri River valley, and the Rocky Mountain Front near Montana's Glacier Country, followed by the Bitterroot Mountains and the North Cascades approaching Washington state