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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nashville to Chicago. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise portion heading north-northwest, the left side also keeps you oriented toward the Illinois River valley and the broader Mississippi watershed drainage patterns visible as winding river corridors through flat agricultural land.
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. BNA typically departs northwest on runway 2L/2R or northeast on runway 13/31. On a northbound departure toward Chicago, the left side gives you a view back over downtown Nashville's skyline and the Cumberland River as the aircraft banks northwest. The right side faces away from the city toward suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River bend through the city, Percy Priest Lake to the southeast, LP Field (Nissan Stadium) along the river.
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. ORD typically lands from the east or southeast on runways 10L/10R or 9L/9R in prevailing westerly winds. On approach from the south, the left side tracks over the southern Chicago suburbs and then gives a clear view of the downtown Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline as you descend. The right side faces west toward flat suburban sprawl with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River grid, suburban Cook County highway network.
How long is the flight from Nashville to Chicago?
The flight from Nashville International (BNA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Nashville to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight crosses western Kentucky and southern Illinois over flat to gently rolling terrain. The Ohio River crossing near Evansville, Indiana is the most visually distinctive midpoint feature — a wide, winding river clearly visible from altitude. The landscape transitions from Tennessee's rolling hills to the dead-flat Illinois agricultural grid. The Wabash River also crosses the path near the Indiana-Illinois border.