Pico to Chicago is 3,077 miles (4,951 km), a flight of about 6 hours 25 minutes.
While the left side offers the dramatic volcanic scenery at departure, the right side delivers the more visually rewarding landing experience over Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline. For a transatlantic flight, the arrival view is typically more memorable.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and over the Canadian Maritime provinces. Notable features include the Labrador Sea, the Canadian Shield terrain, and the Great Lakes region as the aircraft approaches the Midwest. No major landmarks are visible during the mid-ocean crossing; the most interesting midpoint scenery occurs over eastern Canada and the Great Lakes basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIX
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Pico Island's volcanic cone and the surrounding Atlantic. The aircraft departs eastbound, so the left wing points toward the island's dramatic terrain and the neighboring islands of the Azores archipelago.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Midway. The aircraft descends from the northeast over Lake Michigan, and right-side passengers see the Chicago skyline, downtown high-rises, and the lakefront before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pico (PIX) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pico to Chicago. While the left side offers the dramatic volcanic scenery at departure, the right side delivers the more visually rewarding landing experience over Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline. For a transatlantic flight, the arrival view is typically more memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Pico in Pico?
During takeoff from Pico (PIX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Pico Island's volcanic cone and the surrounding Atlantic. The aircraft departs eastbound, so the left wing points toward the island's dramatic terrain and the neighboring islands of the Azores archipelago. Notable sights include: Mount Pico (7,713 ft volcanic peak), Faial Island to the northwest, São Jorge Island to the north, Atlantic Ocean.
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. Right-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Midway. The aircraft descends from the northeast over Lake Michigan, and right-side passengers see the Chicago skyline, downtown high-rises, and the lakefront before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Lake Shore Drive corridor, residential neighborhoods of south Chicago.
How long is the flight from Pico to Chicago?
The flight from Pico (PIX) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 6 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,077 miles (4,951 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pico to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and over the Canadian Maritime provinces. Notable features include the Labrador Sea, the Canadian Shield terrain, and the Great Lakes region as the aircraft approaches the Midwest. No major landmarks are visible during the mid-ocean crossing; the most interesting midpoint scenery occurs over eastern Canada and the Great Lakes basin.