Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Blue Ridge Mountains during departure are more visually striking than the relatively flat approach to Chicago. The mountain climb-out offers more varied and distinctive terrain than the urban/water landing.
Flown AVL to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Asheville to Chicago is 536 miles (863 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Appalachian ridgelines and valleys through West Virginia and eastern Kentucky; Ohio River valley; transition from mountainous terrain to rolling Midwest farmland around southern Indiana; scattered lakes and agricultural grid patterns across Illinois
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AVL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Blue Ridge Mountains immediately after departure. Asheville sits in a valley surrounded by peaks, and climbing out to the northwest, right-side passengers see the ridge line extending north toward the Tennessee border.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during approach. Descending from the northeast, left-side passengers see the lake's shoreline, Navy Pier, and the Loop's distinctive high-rise cluster before touchdown.
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 Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Asheville to Chicago. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Blue Ridge Mountains during departure are more visually striking than the relatively flat approach to Chicago. The mountain climb-out offers more varied and distinctive terrain than the urban/water landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville?
During takeoff from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Blue Ridge Mountains immediately after departure. Asheville sits in a valley surrounded by peaks, and climbing out to the northwest, right-side passengers see the ridge line extending north toward the Tennessee border. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, French Broad River valley, Pisgah National Forest ridgelines, Asheville urban area below.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during approach. Descending from the northeast, left-side passengers see the lake's shoreline, Navy Pier, and the Loop's distinctive high-rise cluster before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline and Loop district, Navy Pier, Grant Park green space.
How long is the flight from Asheville to Chicago?
The flight from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 536 miles (863 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Asheville to Chicago flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridgelines and valleys through West Virginia and eastern Kentucky; Ohio River valley; transition from mountainous terrain to rolling Midwest farmland around southern Indiana; scattered lakes and agricultural grid patterns across Illinois