While the takeoff offers pleasant views of the Arkansas River and Oklahoma terrain, the landing into Chicago provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Left-side seats capture the lake and downtown during descent, making the final approach the highlight of this route.
Flown TUL to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tulsa to Chicago is 583 miles (938 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Missouri River valley near Kansas City, rolling prairie of central Missouri and Illinois, scattered lakes and agricultural patchwork across Iowa and Illinois, transition from Ozark terrain to Great Plains flatland
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TUL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Arkansas River valley and the transition from Tulsa's urban area into the rolling terrain of northeastern Oklahoma. The river's meandering path is clearly visible during climb-out, and you'll see the landscape gradually flatten as the aircraft gains altitude heading northeast toward Chicago.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's lakefront during the final approach into Midway. You'll see the shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the urban grid of the city's south and west sides as the aircraft descends toward the airport on the city's southwest edge.
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 Tulsa International (TUL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tulsa to Chicago. While the takeoff offers pleasant views of the Arkansas River and Oklahoma terrain, the landing into Chicago provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Left-side seats capture the lake and downtown during descent, making the final approach the highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Tulsa International in Tulsa?
During takeoff from Tulsa International (TUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Arkansas River valley and the transition from Tulsa's urban area into the rolling terrain of northeastern Oklahoma. The river's meandering path is clearly visible during climb-out, and you'll see the landscape gradually flatten as the aircraft gains altitude heading northeast toward Chicago. Notable sights include: Arkansas River, Tulsa metropolitan area, Caney River valley, rolling Ozark foothills to the east.
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 lakefront during the final approach into Midway. You'll see the shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the urban grid of the city's south and west sides as the aircraft descends toward the airport on the city's southwest edge. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Chicago River, Illinois prairie and urban grid.
How long is the flight from Tulsa to Chicago?
The flight from Tulsa International (TUL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 583 miles (938 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tulsa to Chicago flight path pass over?
Missouri River valley near Kansas City, rolling prairie of central Missouri and Illinois, scattered lakes and agricultural patchwork across Iowa and Illinois, transition from Ozark terrain to Great Plains flatland