The right side captures the Missouri River valley during departure and provides better views of the transition from the Great Plains into the Mississippi River drainage system during cruise. While the left side wins for Chicago arrival, the takeoff scenery from the right is more distinctive and visually rewarding for the majority of the flight.
Flown BIS to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bismarck to Chicago is 714 miles (1,150 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Iowa and northern Illinois. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible around the 1-hour mark, particularly near the Iowa-Illinois border), the Des Moines area and surrounding agricultural landscape, and the transition from open farmland to increasingly dense suburban development as the aircraft approaches the Chicago metropolitan area. The Illinois River is also visible during the final descent phase. The terrain gradually becomes flatter and more urbanized moving eastward.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BIS
RIGHTClimbing eastbound from Bismarck, the right side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the rolling terrain east of the city. The left side faces westward toward open prairie with fewer distinctive features during initial climb.
Landing at ORD
LEFTDescending into Chicago from the west, the left side provides views of Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the urban sprawl of the metropolitan area. The right side faces inland toward suburban development with fewer distinctive landmarks.
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 Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bismarck to Chicago. The right side captures the Missouri River valley during departure and provides better views of the transition from the Great Plains into the Mississippi River drainage system during cruise. While the left side wins for Chicago arrival, the takeoff scenery from the right is more distinctive and visually rewarding for the majority of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Bismarck Municipal Airport in Bismarck?
During takeoff from Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing eastbound from Bismarck, the right side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the rolling terrain east of the city. The left side faces westward toward open prairie with fewer distinctive features during initial climb. Notable sights include: Missouri River (winding south through Bismarck), Bismarck city grid and surrounding residential areas, the transition from river bottomland to Great Plains grassland.
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. Descending into Chicago from the west, the left side provides views of Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the urban sprawl of the metropolitan area. The right side faces inland toward suburban development with fewer distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (vast blue expanse), Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, the Chicago River system, extensive suburban grid extending west from the lake.
How long is the flight from Bismarck to Chicago?
The flight from Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 714 miles (1,150 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bismarck to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Iowa and northern Illinois. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible around the 1-hour mark, particularly near the Iowa-Illinois border), the Des Moines area and surrounding agricultural landscape, and the transition from open farmland to increasingly dense suburban development as the aircraft approaches the Chicago metropolitan area. The Illinois River is also visible during the final descent phase. The terrain gradually becomes flatter and more urbanized moving eastward.