While the Nashville skyline offers a nice departure moment on the left, the right side wins overall because the Chicago approach delivers a much stronger scenic payoff — a genuine skyline-and-lake view that outclasses the flat, unremarkable Midwest terrain seen elsewhere on the route.
Flight Path
Rolling bluegrass hills of central Kentucky, the Ohio River near Evansville, and the flat farmland of southern Indiana and Illinois beneath the cruise track.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNA
LEFTDeparting BNA on a northbound track, the initial climb passes just west of downtown Nashville, giving a brief but clear view of the skyline and the Cumberland River bend on the left side. The right side only shows suburban sprawl and flat farmland with no distinguishing features.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach to ORD from the south, arriving aircraft often track along Chicago's southern lakefront before turning onto final, putting Lake Michigan's shoreline and the downtown skyline on the right side of the cabin. The left side during this phase shows only flat inland suburbs with no comparable landmark.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nashville International (BNA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Chicago. While the Nashville skyline offers a nice departure moment on the left, the right side wins overall because the Chicago approach delivers a much stronger scenic payoff — a genuine skyline-and-lake view that outclasses the flat, unremarkable Midwest terrain seen elsewhere on the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Nashville International in Nashville?
During takeoff from Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BNA on a northbound track, the initial climb passes just west of downtown Nashville, giving a brief but clear view of the skyline and the Cumberland River bend on the left side. The right side only shows suburban sprawl and flat farmland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium, Music City skyline towers.
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 approach to ORD from the south, arriving aircraft often track along Chicago's southern lakefront before turning onto final, putting Lake Michigan's shoreline and the downtown skyline on the right side of the cabin. The left side during this phase shows only flat inland suburbs with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Navy Pier area, southern Chicago suburbs.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Chicago?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 1h 35m.
What does the Nashville to Chicago flight path pass over?
Rolling bluegrass hills of central Kentucky, the Ohio River near Evansville, and the flat farmland of southern Indiana and Illinois beneath the cruise track.