While landing offers superior Chicago views on the left, the northeastward departure from RDU on the right side provides more sustained visual interest across the first half of the flight. The right side captures the Piedmont transition and maintains better views during the climb phase when passengers are most alert.
Flown RDU to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Chicago is 631 miles (1,016 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Virginia (Piedmont region with rolling terrain), then enters the Appalachian foothills near the Virginia-West Virginia border. The New River valley may be visible on clear days. As the flight progresses northwest into Ohio, the landscape flattens into the glaciated plains. The Ohio River valley marks the transition into the Midwest. No major mountain ranges are crossed; the flight stays east of the Appalachian Mountains proper.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTRDU typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Neuse River valley and the transition from Raleigh's urban sprawl into the Piedmont region's rolling terrain. Left side faces the less distinctive western suburbs.
Landing at MDW
LEFTApproaching MDW from the southeast (typical arrival routing), left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan's shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the Chicago River. Right side faces the industrial southwest side and offers less dramatic urban scenery.
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 Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Chicago. While landing offers superior Chicago views on the left, the northeastward departure from RDU on the right side provides more sustained visual interest across the first half of the flight. The right side captures the Piedmont transition and maintains better views during the climb phase when passengers are most alert.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. RDU typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Neuse River valley and the transition from Raleigh's urban sprawl into the Piedmont region's rolling terrain. Left side faces the less distinctive western suburbs. Notable sights include: Neuse River (visible as a meandering waterway below), Raleigh city grid (receding westward), Jordan Lake (if departing northeast, visible as a large reservoir to the northwest), Piedmont plateau terrain rising gradually northward.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching MDW from the southeast (typical arrival routing), left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan's shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the Chicago River. Right side faces the industrial southwest side and offers less dramatic urban scenery. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (dominant water body on the left), Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower (visible as the flight descends), Chicago River (visible as it winds through the Loop), Midway's location on the southwest side relative to the lake.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Chicago?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 631 miles (1,016 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Virginia (Piedmont region with rolling terrain), then enters the Appalachian foothills near the Virginia-West Virginia border. The New River valley may be visible on clear days. As the flight progresses northwest into Ohio, the landscape flattens into the glaciated plains. The Ohio River valley marks the transition into the Midwest. No major mountain ranges are crossed; the flight stays east of the Appalachian Mountains proper.