While takeoff offers dramatic red rock scenery on the left, the landing approach into Chicago provides more sustained and iconic views—Lake Michigan, the skyline, and the urban landscape—making right-side seats the better overall choice for this route.
Flown CDC to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cedar City to Chicago is 1,364 miles (2,195 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau, then descends into the Great Plains. Notable features include the San Juan Mountains (southern Colorado), the Rocky Mountain front near the Colorado-Wyoming border, the High Plains of eastern Colorado and western Kansas, and the transition into the flatter terrain of Missouri and Illinois. The Mississippi River becomes visible in the final descent phase near St. Louis.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDC
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of the red rock formations and escarpments surrounding Cedar City. The aircraft departs generally eastward initially before turning northeast, so left-side passengers see the distinctive Markagunt Plateau and surrounding high desert terrain rising directly from the airport.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during the final approach into Chicago O'Hare. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and right-side passengers see Lake Michigan's shoreline, the Chicago skyline, and the urban grid of the city spreading across the terrain as the plane lines up for runway approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cedar City Rgnl (CDC) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cedar City to Chicago. While takeoff offers dramatic red rock scenery on the left, the landing approach into Chicago provides more sustained and iconic views—Lake Michigan, the skyline, and the urban landscape—making right-side seats the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Cedar City Rgnl in Cedar City?
During takeoff from Cedar City Rgnl (CDC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer immediate views of the red rock formations and escarpments surrounding Cedar City. The aircraft departs generally eastward initially before turning northeast, so left-side passengers see the distinctive Markagunt Plateau and surrounding high desert terrain rising directly from the airport. Notable sights include: Markagunt Plateau, Hurricane Cliffs, red rock formations of the Cedar Breaks area, high desert scrubland.
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. Right seats provide excellent views during the final approach into Chicago O'Hare. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and right-side passengers see Lake Michigan's shoreline, the Chicago skyline, and the urban grid of the city spreading across the terrain as the plane lines up for runway approach. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline and grid, Illinois prairie landscape, suburban sprawl extending west.
How long is the flight from Cedar City to Chicago?
The flight from Cedar City Rgnl (CDC) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,364 miles (2,195 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cedar City to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau, then descends into the Great Plains. Notable features include the San Juan Mountains (southern Colorado), the Rocky Mountain front near the Colorado-Wyoming border, the High Plains of eastern Colorado and western Kansas, and the transition into the flatter terrain of Missouri and Illinois. The Mississippi River becomes visible in the final descent phase near St. Louis.