About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Columbus to Chicago. The left side wins both takeoff and landing. At Columbus departure you see the Scioto River and city core, and on approach into O'Hare the left side delivers the iconic Chicago lakefront and Loop skyline view. The right side offers little more than flat suburban grids at both ends.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Columbus International in Columbus?
During takeoff from Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Left side for the best views. CMH typically departs on runway 28L/28R heading west-northwest, which puts the left (south) side facing back toward downtown Columbus as the aircraft climbs and turns. You get a clear view of the Scioto River winding through the city core and the downtown skyline receding behind you. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto River corridor, Nationwide Arena district, Ohio State University oval and stadium to the northwest.
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 arrivals from the east typically use runways 10L/10C/10R or approach from the southeast on 28 configurations. On an eastbound approach from Columbus, the aircraft tracks northwest and the left side faces south over the Chicago metro, giving clear views of the lakefront, Grant Park, and the Loop skyline as you descend. The right side faces north toward the suburbs with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline and Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, O'Hare approach over the dense northwest suburban grid.
How long is the flight from Columbus to Chicago?
The flight from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.
What does the Columbus to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest across central Indiana, passing over the flat agricultural patchwork of the Corn Belt. Indiana farmland is the dominant feature — large rectangular fields in varying shades of brown and green depending on season. The Wabash River may be visible crossing the path near the Indiana-Illinois border. As the flight enters Illinois the terrain remains completely flat with increasing suburban density as Chicago approaches. No significant terrain relief anywhere along this route.