Right-side seats offer the best overall experience: James River and Richmond skyline during departure, then views of the Appalachian foothills and Ohio River valley during cruise, and finally Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during approach.
Flown RIC to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Richmond to Chicago is 628 miles (1,011 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Plateau and Ohio River valley. Notable features include the Ohio River near Cincinnati (visible around the 1-hour mark), the rolling forested terrain of southern Ohio and Indiana, and the transition to flatter Midwestern landscape as you approach Illinois. On clear days, you may see the Ohio River's distinctive curves and the urban areas of Columbus, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana in the distance, though these are typically not directly on the flight path.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RIC
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the James River and downtown Richmond's skyline during initial climb-out. The river curves distinctly through the city, and you'll see the urban core before banking northwest toward the Midwest.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during final approach to Midway. You'll see the lake's shoreline, the grid of Chicago's streets, and the urban landscape clearly as you descend into the airport on the city's southwest side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Richmond International (RIC) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Richmond to Chicago. Right-side seats offer the best overall experience: James River and Richmond skyline during departure, then views of the Appalachian foothills and Ohio River valley during cruise, and finally Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Richmond International in Richmond?
During takeoff from Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the James River and downtown Richmond's skyline during initial climb-out. The river curves distinctly through the city, and you'll see the urban core before banking northwest toward the Midwest. Notable sights include: James River, downtown Richmond skyline, Henrico County suburban sprawl, Virginia Piedmont terrain.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during final approach to Midway. You'll see the lake's shoreline, the grid of Chicago's streets, and the urban landscape clearly as you descend into the airport on the city's southwest side. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Chicago River, grid street pattern of the city.
How long is the flight from Richmond to Chicago?
The flight from Richmond International (RIC) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 628 miles (1,011 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Richmond to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Plateau and Ohio River valley. Notable features include the Ohio River near Cincinnati (visible around the 1-hour mark), the rolling forested terrain of southern Ohio and Indiana, and the transition to flatter Midwestern landscape as you approach Illinois. On clear days, you may see the Ohio River's distinctive curves and the urban areas of Columbus, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana in the distance, though these are typically not directly on the flight path.