The right side offers the only real terrain interest on this flight — foothills and distant mountains near Boise on departure, plus a rare glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival — while the left side stays over flat, featureless plains for nearly the entire route.
Flown BOI to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boise to Chicago is 1,433 miles (2,307 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Snake River Plain, southern Wyoming's high plains near the Rocky Mountains, and the flat farmland of Nebraska and Iowa
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOI
RIGHTDeparting Boise on runway 28, the eastbound turn puts the Boise Foothills and the distant Owyhee Mountains on the right side of the aircraft, giving a brief but genuine mountain view before the terrain flattens into the Snake River Plain.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into O'Hare from the west, arrivals descending toward the east-facing runways occasionally reveal downtown Chicago's skyline and a sliver of Lake Michigan off to the right as the plane lines up, while the left side shows only flat suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boise Air Terminal (BOI) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boise to Chicago. The right side offers the only real terrain interest on this flight — foothills and distant mountains near Boise on departure, plus a rare glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival — while the left side stays over flat, featureless plains for nearly the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from Boise Air Terminal in Boise?
During takeoff from Boise Air Terminal (BOI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Boise on runway 28, the eastbound turn puts the Boise Foothills and the distant Owyhee Mountains on the right side of the aircraft, giving a brief but genuine mountain view before the terrain flattens into the Snake River Plain. Notable sights include: Boise Foothills, Boise River valley, Owyhee Mountains, Snake River Plain.
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 into O'Hare from the west, arrivals descending toward the east-facing runways occasionally reveal downtown Chicago's skyline and a sliver of Lake Michigan off to the right as the plane lines up, while the left side shows only flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare terminal complex, flat Illinois farmland.
How long is the flight from Boise to Chicago?
The flight from Boise Air Terminal (BOI) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,433 miles (2,307 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boise to Chicago flight path pass over?
Snake River Plain, southern Wyoming's high plains near the Rocky Mountains, and the flat farmland of Nebraska and Iowa