The right side edges out the left thanks to a fleeting view of Pittsburgh's river confluence and hills on departure and a distant Chicago skyline/Lake Michigan glimpse on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat, featureless Ohio and Indiana farmland for the whole flight.
Flown PIT to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Chicago is 401 miles (646 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of eastern Ohio and Indiana with scattered small towns and farmland grids; no major rivers or mountains along the mid-cruise segment
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
RIGHTDeparting PIT to the west on runway 28, the aircraft's right side offers a brief look back toward Pittsburgh's hilly terrain and the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers before the plane settles into a west-northwest cruise track over rolling Appalachian plateau country.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTOn approach into Midway from the east, aircraft landing on runways like 13C often bank south of downtown, giving right-side passengers a distant glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline before touchdown.
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 Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Chicago. The right side edges out the left thanks to a fleeting view of Pittsburgh's river confluence and hills on departure and a distant Chicago skyline/Lake Michigan glimpse on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat, featureless Ohio and Indiana farmland for the whole flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PIT to the west on runway 28, the aircraft's right side offers a brief look back toward Pittsburgh's hilly terrain and the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers before the plane settles into a west-northwest cruise track over rolling Appalachian plateau country. Notable sights include: Ohio River valley, Pittsburgh's three-rivers confluence area, forested Allegheny Plateau hills.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Midway from the east, aircraft landing on runways like 13C often bank south of downtown, giving right-side passengers a distant glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop towers), Lake Michigan shoreline, southern Chicago suburbs.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Chicago?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 401 miles (646 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to Chicago flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of eastern Ohio and Indiana with scattered small towns and farmland grids; no major rivers or mountains along the mid-cruise segment