The right side edges out the left thanks to a fleeting Chicago skyline view at departure and a clearer look at the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch on arrival into St. Louis, while the left side sees mostly featureless Illinois farmland throughout.
Flown MDW to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to St. Louis is 251 miles (404 km), a flight of about 55 minutes.
Flat Illinois farmland and small towns along the route, with the Mississippi River crossing near Alton/Grafton as the flight nears St. Louis
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTDeparting MDW toward the southwest, the right side offers a brief look back at Chicago's downtown skyline and a sliver of Lake Michigan before the aircraft turns away over flat Illinois farmland.
Landing at STL
RIGHTOn approach into STL from the northeast, the right side typically offers the better view of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis, including a glimpse of the Gateway Arch before the final turn to the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to St. Louis. The right side edges out the left thanks to a fleeting Chicago skyline view at departure and a clearer look at the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch on arrival into St. Louis, while the left side sees mostly featureless Illinois farmland throughout.
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 toward the southwest, the right side offers a brief look back at Chicago's downtown skyline and a sliver of Lake Michigan before the aircraft turns away over flat Illinois farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears/Willis area), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's residential grid.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into STL from the northeast, the right side typically offers the better view of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis, including a glimpse of the Gateway Arch before the final turn to the runway. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, downtown St. Louis skyline, river bridges.
How long is the flight from Chicago to St. Louis?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 251 miles (404 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to St. Louis flight path pass over?
Flat Illinois farmland and small towns along the route, with the Mississippi River crossing near Alton/Grafton as the flight nears St. Louis