Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Chicago. The left side misses the best of the Birmingham departure but wins decisively on landing with the extended Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline approach, which is one of the most visually impressive urban arrivals in the US. Over the flight the left side also picks up Tennessee River valley terrain and southern Illinois farmland patterns.

During takeoff from Birmingham International (BHM), sit on the Right side for the best views. BHM's primary departure runway 24 sends aircraft northwest, putting the right side facing northeast toward downtown Birmingham and Red Mountain. You get a clear look at the city grid, Vulcan statue area on Red Mountain ridge, and the Jones Valley below. Notable sights include: Downtown Birmingham skyline, Red Mountain ridge, Jones Valley, Shades Mountain to the southwest.

When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. ORD's primary arrival runways from the south typically bring aircraft in from the southeast on headings around 280-320 degrees, placing the left side facing south and southeast over the Chicago lakefront. You get a prolonged view of Lake Michigan's shoreline, Grant Park, and the downtown Loop skyline as you descend. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago Loop skyline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Wrigley Field area in Lincoln Park.

The flight from Birmingham International (BHM) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

The route crosses northern Alabama piedmont, then the Tennessee River valley near Decatur Alabama, followed by the flat agricultural plains of southern Tennessee and western Kentucky, transitioning into the intensively farmed grid of central Illinois corn and soybean fields before the Chicago metro sprawl becomes visible on descent.