While the takeoff from Charlotte offers a modest view of Piedmont hills, the approach into O'Hare rewards right-side passengers with a genuinely striking view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, making it the more memorable side over the full flight.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Appalachian Plateau of West Virginia, the Ohio River valley near the Ohio-West Virginia border, and the flat farmland of Ohio and Indiana before reaching the Chicago metropolitan area.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLT
LEFTDeparting CLT and turning toward the northwest, the left side faces the Piedmont's rolling terrain rising toward the South Mountains and the distant Blue Ridge foothills, giving a bit of relief to an otherwise flat departure corridor. The right side over the eastern Piedmont stays uniformly flat with little to distinguish it.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into ORD from the south, arrivals often swing east before turning onto the west-facing runways, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline. The left side during this same turn mostly shows flat Illinois farmland and suburban grids with no standout features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to Chicago. While the takeoff from Charlotte offers a modest view of Piedmont hills, the approach into O'Hare rewards right-side passengers with a genuinely striking view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, making it the more memorable side over the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
During takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CLT and turning toward the northwest, the left side faces the Piedmont's rolling terrain rising toward the South Mountains and the distant Blue Ridge foothills, giving a bit of relief to an otherwise flat departure corridor. The right side over the eastern Piedmont stays uniformly flat with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: South Mountains, Blue Ridge foothills, Catawba River valley, Charlotte suburban sprawl.
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 ORD from the south, arrivals often swing east before turning onto the west-facing runways, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline. The left side during this same turn mostly shows flat Illinois farmland and suburban grids with no standout features. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Hancock Center), Navy Pier, O'Hare's surrounding suburbs.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to Chicago?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 1h 50m.
What does the Charlotte to Chicago flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Appalachian Plateau of West Virginia, the Ohio River valley near the Ohio-West Virginia border, and the flat farmland of Ohio and Indiana before reaching the Chicago metropolitan area.