Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Chicago. While right-side takeoff views are good, the left-side landing approach over Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. The contrast between the lake and urban landscape is more striking than the Mississippi River and farmland on departure.

During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer the best views during the initial climb-out from STL. You'll see the Mississippi River bend prominently as the aircraft banks northeast, and the urban grid of downtown St. Louis recedes below. The Gateway Arch is visible but small at altitude. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (main channel and floodplain), downtown St. Louis urban core, Gateway Arch (small but identifiable), Illinois farmland extending eastward.

When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide superior views on approach to Midway. You'll see Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline grow progressively larger as the aircraft descends on a westerly approach. The lake's blue water contrasts sharply with the urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (shoreline and open water), Chicago downtown skyline and high-rise district, Midway Airport runways, residential neighborhoods of southwest Chicago.

The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses central Illinois farmland with minimal elevation change. Around the midpoint, you'll pass over the Illinois prairie with scattered towns and agricultural fields. The terrain remains flat throughout; no significant mountains or water bodies interrupt the journey between the two cities.