The right side captures the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe during departure, the Rocky Mountain front range near the Wyoming-Colorado border at cruise altitude, and Chicago's skyline with Lake Michigan on arrival — a clear scenic advantage over the largely flat, featureless plains visible from the left.
Flown SMF to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sacramento to Chicago is 1,786 miles (2,874 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada, the Wasatch and Uinta mountains near Utah-Wyoming border, and the southern Rocky Mountains near Cheyenne before the route levels out over the Nebraska and Iowa plains
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SMF
RIGHTDeparting SMF toward the northeast, the climb path parallels the Sierra Nevada front range and the Lake Tahoe basin to the south of the aircraft, giving right-side passengers a dramatic view of granite peaks and the Sacramento Valley falling away below. The left side shows only the flat Central Valley farmland receding into haze.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTOn approach into Midway, arrivals descending from the north over the southwest suburbs bank toward the city, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the blue expanse of Lake Michigan on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows flat residential grids and industrial rail yards with no distinguishing features.
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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 Sacramento International (SMF) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sacramento to Chicago. The right side captures the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe during departure, the Rocky Mountain front range near the Wyoming-Colorado border at cruise altitude, and Chicago's skyline with Lake Michigan on arrival — a clear scenic advantage over the largely flat, featureless plains visible from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Sacramento International in Sacramento?
During takeoff from Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SMF toward the northeast, the climb path parallels the Sierra Nevada front range and the Lake Tahoe basin to the south of the aircraft, giving right-side passengers a dramatic view of granite peaks and the Sacramento Valley falling away below. The left side shows only the flat Central Valley farmland receding into haze. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada crest, Lake Tahoe basin, Sacramento Valley farmland, American River delta.
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, arrivals descending from the north over the southwest suburbs bank toward the city, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the blue expanse of Lake Michigan on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows flat residential grids and industrial rail yards with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's grid-pattern neighborhoods, Sears/Willis Tower silhouette.
How long is the flight from Sacramento to Chicago?
The flight from Sacramento International (SMF) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,786 miles (2,874 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sacramento to Chicago flight path pass over?
Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada, the Wasatch and Uinta mountains near Utah-Wyoming border, and the southern Rocky Mountains near Cheyenne before the route levels out over the Nebraska and Iowa plains