Oranjestad to Chicago is 2,303 miles (3,707 km), a flight of about 5 hours 10 minutes.
While the Aruba departure offers a brief scenic coastal moment, the right side wins overall thanks to the Gulf coast and Florida panhandle glimpses during cruise plus the strong Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan view on final approach, giving more sustained visual interest across the flight.
Flight Path
Western Caribbean Sea, Cuba's northern coast or the Florida Straits, Gulf of Mexico, Florida Panhandle, rolling hills of Georgia and Tennessee before the flat farmland of Illinois
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUA
LEFTDeparting AUA on runway 11, the aircraft climbs out over Aruba's north coast before banking to head north toward the US. This turn puts the island's rugged limestone coastline, the California Lighthouse point, and the turquoise reef waters on the left side as the plane arcs away from the island.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into ORD from the southeast, arriving flights commonly cross the southern shoreline of Lake Michigan before turning inland toward the east-west runways. This gives a right-side view of the Chicago skyline and the lake's shoreline just before the final descent into the flat Illinois farmland surrounding the airport.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reina Beatrix International (AUA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oranjestad to Chicago. While the Aruba departure offers a brief scenic coastal moment, the right side wins overall thanks to the Gulf coast and Florida panhandle glimpses during cruise plus the strong Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan view on final approach, giving more sustained visual interest across the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Reina Beatrix International in Oranjestad?
During takeoff from Reina Beatrix International (AUA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing AUA on runway 11, the aircraft climbs out over Aruba's north coast before banking to head north toward the US. This turn puts the island's rugged limestone coastline, the California Lighthouse point, and the turquoise reef waters on the left side as the plane arcs away from the island. Notable sights include: Aruba's northern coastline, California Lighthouse point, turquoise Caribbean reefs, Oranjestad harbor briefly behind.
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 southeast, arriving flights commonly cross the southern shoreline of Lake Michigan before turning inland toward the east-west runways. This gives a right-side view of the Chicago skyline and the lake's shoreline just before the final descent into the flat Illinois farmland surrounding the airport. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago's grid street pattern, flat Illinois farmland near O'Hare.
How long is the flight from Oranjestad to Chicago?
The flight from Reina Beatrix International (AUA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 5 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,303 miles (3,707 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Oranjestad to Chicago flight path pass over?
Western Caribbean Sea, Cuba's northern coast or the Florida Straits, Gulf of Mexico, Florida Panhandle, rolling hills of Georgia and Tennessee before the flat farmland of Illinois