About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Chicago. The left side delivers the more dramatic takeoff with San Francisco Bay and the city skyline, and across the flight the left side tracks closer to the Sierra Nevada range and the Rockies as the route curves northeast. The Chicago landing view on the right is excellent but shorter in duration, making left the better overall seat for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west over the bay before turning. A left seat gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as you climb out and bank northeast. The right side faces south toward the peninsula with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco city skyline, San Mateo Bridge.
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. MDW's primary arrival runways (31C/31L) bring aircraft in from the southeast heading northwest, which puts the Chicago downtown lakefront on the right side. You get a clear view of Lake Michigan, the Loop skyline, and Grant Park on final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago Loop skyline, Grant Park, Midway Airport approach over residential grid.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Chicago?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the San Francisco to Chicago flight path pass over?
After departing the Bay Area the route crosses the Central Valley of California, then the Sierra Nevada range with peaks including Mount Whitney visible to the south. Over Nevada the terrain flattens into the Great Basin desert. Crossing into Utah you may see the Bonneville Salt Flats and the Great Salt Lake as a pale shallow expanse to the left. The route then crosses the Wasatch Range, the Colorado Rockies, and transitions into the flat agricultural checkerboard of the Great Plains across Nebraska and Iowa before descending into Chicago.