While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery on the left, the landing approach into Chicago provides more consistently impressive views. Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline are iconic and visually striking, making the right side the better choice for the overall journey.
Flown BFL to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bakersfield to Chicago is 1,729 miles (2,782 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the southern Sierra Nevada, then traverses the Great Basin (with views of scattered mountain ranges and high desert), continues over the Rocky Mountains (visible as a series of north-south trending ranges in Colorado and Wyoming), and finally descends across the Great Plains into Illinois. Notable landmarks along the route include the Mojave Desert (early climb), the Colorado Plateau, the Front Range of the Rockies, and the transition to the flat Midwest plains approximately 1.5 hours before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFL
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Sierra Nevada's southern reaches and the Kern River valley as you climb northeastward out of Bakersfield. The terrain rises dramatically to the left, creating a striking contrast with the flat San Joaquin Valley floor.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during the final approach from the west. You'll see the lakefront, Navy Pier, and the grid of the city's streets as you descend into O'Hare.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Meadows Fld (BFL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bakersfield to Chicago. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery on the left, the landing approach into Chicago provides more consistently impressive views. Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline are iconic and visually striking, making the right side the better choice for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Meadows Fld in Bakersfield?
During takeoff from Meadows Fld (BFL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Sierra Nevada's southern reaches and the Kern River valley as you climb northeastward out of Bakersfield. The terrain rises dramatically to the left, creating a striking contrast with the flat San Joaquin Valley floor. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada (eastern horizon), Kern River valley (foreground), San Joaquin Valley (extending westward), Tehachapi Mountains (southeast).
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. Right-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during the final approach from the west. You'll see the lakefront, Navy Pier, and the grid of the city's streets as you descend into O'Hare. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern edge of frame), Chicago downtown skyline (center), Chicago River (visible as dark line through downtown), Illinois plains (western foreground).
How long is the flight from Bakersfield to Chicago?
The flight from Meadows Fld (BFL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,729 miles (2,782 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bakersfield to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the southern Sierra Nevada, then traverses the Great Basin (with views of scattered mountain ranges and high desert), continues over the Rocky Mountains (visible as a series of north-south trending ranges in Colorado and Wyoming), and finally descends across the Great Plains into Illinois. Notable landmarks along the route include the Mojave Desert (early climb), the Colorado Plateau, the Front Range of the Rockies, and the transition to the flat Midwest plains approximately 1.5 hours before landing.