Seattle to Chicago is 1,716 miles (2,761 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a dramatic Mount Rainier view during climb-out and a Chicago skyline/Lake Michigan view during descent, while the left side offers only minor city glimpses at takeoff and flat suburban sprawl at landing.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Cascade Range near Snoqualmie Pass, the rolling wheat country of eastern Washington, the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana, then flattens out over the Great Plains of Montana and North Dakota before crossing Minnesota's lake country and Wisconsin farmland on the way into the Chicago area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTDeparting Boeing Field on runway 14 toward the southeast, the aircraft banks east toward Chicago, putting Mount Rainier's massive snow-capped bulk directly off the right side along with glimpses of southern Puget Sound and Tacoma below. The left side only offers a brief look at Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline before the plane turns away from the city.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn the approach into O'Hare from the west, the aircraft's final turns typically swing south of the field, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan on the right side of the cabin. The left side during this phase mostly shows flat, repetitive suburban grid streets with no strong landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Chicago. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a dramatic Mount Rainier view during climb-out and a Chicago skyline/Lake Michigan view during descent, while the left side offers only minor city glimpses at takeoff and flat suburban sprawl at landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Boeing Field on runway 14 toward the southeast, the aircraft banks east toward Chicago, putting Mount Rainier's massive snow-capped bulk directly off the right side along with glimpses of southern Puget Sound and Tacoma below. The left side only offers a brief look at Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline before the plane turns away from the city. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, southern Puget Sound, Tacoma waterfront, Cascade foothills.
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 the approach into O'Hare from the west, the aircraft's final turns typically swing south of the field, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan on the right side of the cabin. The left side during this phase mostly shows flat, repetitive suburban grid streets with no strong landmarks. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River, western suburb grid pattern.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Chicago?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,716 miles (2,761 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Chicago flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Cascade Range near Snoqualmie Pass, the rolling wheat country of eastern Washington, the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana, then flattens out over the Great Plains of Montana and North Dakota before crossing Minnesota's lake country and Wisconsin farmland on the way into the Chicago area.