The right side offers modest but real scenic value on both ends of the flight — the North Georgia foothills near departure and a glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival — while the left side shows only flat, featureless farmland for nearly the entire route.
Flight Path
Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee River valley, Kentucky Bluegrass region, Ohio River near the Kentucky-Indiana border
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTDeparting ATL northbound, the right side faces east toward the North Georgia foothills and the rolling terrain leading to the Blue Ridge, giving some relief from the otherwise flat departure corridor. The left side only shows flat Georgia farmland and suburban sprawl with no distinguishing features.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into ORD from the south, the final turn onto a westbound runway puts Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline off the right side, offering a brief but distinctive view of downtown towers against the lakefront. The left side during this turn faces only flat farmland and suburban grids of Indiana and Illinois.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Chicago. The right side offers modest but real scenic value on both ends of the flight — the North Georgia foothills near departure and a glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival — while the left side shows only flat, featureless farmland for nearly the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ATL northbound, the right side faces east toward the North Georgia foothills and the rolling terrain leading to the Blue Ridge, giving some relief from the otherwise flat departure corridor. The left side only shows flat Georgia farmland and suburban sprawl with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: North Georgia foothills, Lake Lanier, Chattahoochee River, Atlanta suburban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into ORD from the south, the final turn onto a westbound runway puts Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline off the right side, offering a brief but distinctive view of downtown towers against the lakefront. The left side during this turn faces only flat farmland and suburban grids of Indiana and Illinois. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Chicago?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 1h 50m.
What does the Atlanta to Chicago flight path pass over?
Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee River valley, Kentucky Bluegrass region, Ohio River near the Kentucky-Indiana border