While right seats win on takeoff with Lake Ontario views, left seats provide the more dramatic and sustained visual experience. The approach to Midway with Lake Michigan visible on descent is more impressive than the departure, and left seats capture this better. The flight path itself crosses over Lake Ontario, then over Michigan and Indiana, so left seats generally face the more interesting geography during cruise.
Flown YTZ to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Chicago is 443 miles (712 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Lake Ontario (crossed during initial climb-out), Michigan shoreline near the Michigan-Indiana border (visible during cruise at altitude), Lake Michigan (visible during descent approach to Midway). The flight path crosses relatively flat terrain through southern Ontario and Michigan, with no significant mountain ranges. The Great Lakes dominate the visual geography of this route.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
RIGHTRight side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure. YTZ typically departs eastbound (Runway 09) or westbound (Runway 27), but the airport's island location means Lake Ontario dominates the right side during initial climb regardless of runway. You'll see the Toronto waterfront receding below and the lake stretching to the horizon.
Landing at MDW
LEFTMidway typically uses Runway 31L or 31R for arrivals from the northeast. Left-side seats provide views of Lake Michigan during the descent approach, which is the dominant visual feature on final approach to Chicago. You'll see the lake's expanse and the Chicago shoreline coming into view as you descend toward 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 City Centre (YTZ) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Chicago. While right seats win on takeoff with Lake Ontario views, left seats provide the more dramatic and sustained visual experience. The approach to Midway with Lake Michigan visible on descent is more impressive than the departure, and left seats capture this better. The flight path itself crosses over Lake Ontario, then over Michigan and Indiana, so left seats generally face the more interesting geography during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure. YTZ typically departs eastbound (Runway 09) or westbound (Runway 27), but the airport's island location means Lake Ontario dominates the right side during initial climb regardless of runway. You'll see the Toronto waterfront receding below and the lake stretching to the horizon. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands (Toronto Island Airport visible as small airfield), Toronto downtown skyline (CN Tower and financial district visible as cluster on left/north shore), Scarborough Bluffs (eastern lakeshore cliffs).
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. Midway typically uses Runway 31L or 31R for arrivals from the northeast. Left-side seats provide views of Lake Michigan during the descent approach, which is the dominant visual feature on final approach to Chicago. You'll see the lake's expanse and the Chicago shoreline coming into view as you descend toward the airport on the city's southwest side. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (large body of water on left/east side), Chicago downtown skyline (visible on the horizon to the north as distant cluster), Midway International Airport runways (visible ahead/below during final approach), Chicago's southwest residential neighborhoods (grid pattern visible below).
How long is the flight from Toronto to Chicago?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 443 miles (712 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Chicago flight path pass over?
Lake Ontario (crossed during initial climb-out), Michigan shoreline near the Michigan-Indiana border (visible during cruise at altitude), Lake Michigan (visible during descent approach to Midway). The flight path crosses relatively flat terrain through southern Ontario and Michigan, with no significant mountain ranges. The Great Lakes dominate the visual geography of this route.