While the left side offers a scenic departure over the Kanawha River and Appalachian foothills, the right side delivers superior overall value with Lake Michigan's dramatic appearance during descent and Chicago's iconic skyline during final approach. The cruise phase over both sides is relatively flat Midwest terrain, but the landing sequence on the right is significantly more visually rewarding than the takeoff on the left.
Flown CRW to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charleston to Chicago is 416 miles (669 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Ohio River valley near Huntington WV, Appalachian plateau terrain, transition to flat Midwest plains near Columbus OH, agricultural fields of Indiana, southern shore of Lake Michigan
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CRW
LEFTDeparting CRW typically uses Runway 23 (southwest heading) under prevailing winds. Left-side passengers see the Kanawha River valley and the Appalachian foothills immediately after liftoff, with Charleston's urban core visible below. Right side shows only forested ridges and open terrain.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTApproaching ORD from the southeast, aircraft descend over Indiana farmland and Lake Michigan's southern shore. Right-side passengers see Lake Michigan's vast blue expanse and the Chicago skyline emerging from the lakefront, with the downtown core and harbor visible during final approach. Left side shows only flat agricultural terrain and suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Yeager Airport (CRW) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charleston to Chicago. While the left side offers a scenic departure over the Kanawha River and Appalachian foothills, the right side delivers superior overall value with Lake Michigan's dramatic appearance during descent and Chicago's iconic skyline during final approach. The cruise phase over both sides is relatively flat Midwest terrain, but the landing sequence on the right is significantly more visually rewarding than the takeoff on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Yeager Airport in Charleston?
During takeoff from Yeager Airport (CRW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CRW typically uses Runway 23 (southwest heading) under prevailing winds. Left-side passengers see the Kanawha River valley and the Appalachian foothills immediately after liftoff, with Charleston's urban core visible below. Right side shows only forested ridges and open terrain. Notable sights include: Kanawha River winding through Charleston, Appalachian ridge lines to the south, Charleston downtown skyline, Yeager Airport grounds.
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. Approaching ORD from the southeast, aircraft descend over Indiana farmland and Lake Michigan's southern shore. Right-side passengers see Lake Michigan's vast blue expanse and the Chicago skyline emerging from the lakefront, with the downtown core and harbor visible during final approach. Left side shows only flat agricultural terrain and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Grant Park waterfront, Indiana farmland and grid-pattern fields.
How long is the flight from Charleston to Chicago?
The flight from Yeager Airport (CRW) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 416 miles (669 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charleston to Chicago flight path pass over?
Ohio River valley near Huntington WV, Appalachian plateau terrain, transition to flat Midwest plains near Columbus OH, agricultural fields of Indiana, southern shore of Lake Michigan