The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic coastal departure over Cancun's lagoon and Caribbean waters, and a rare glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival, while the left side offers mostly featureless jungle and Midwest farmland.
Flight Path
Gulf of Mexico crossing, Mississippi River delta near Louisiana coast, and low farmland of Mississippi, Tennessee, and southern Illinois along the route north.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CUN
RIGHTDeparting CUN on runway 30, the aircraft climbs over jungle before banking to pick up its northbound routing, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the turquoise Nichupte Lagoon, the Cancun hotel zone, and Isla Mujeres offshore. Left-side passengers mostly see inland jungle and flat scrubland with no coastline.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into ORD from the south, easterly-side seats catch a clear view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline in the distance before the final turn onto the east-west runways. The left side during this segment faces flat suburban and farmland terrain with no comparable landmark.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cancun International (CUN) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cancun to Chicago. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic coastal departure over Cancun's lagoon and Caribbean waters, and a rare glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival, while the left side offers mostly featureless jungle and Midwest farmland.
What can I see during takeoff from Cancun International in Cancun?
During takeoff from Cancun International (CUN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CUN on runway 30, the aircraft climbs over jungle before banking to pick up its northbound routing, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the turquoise Nichupte Lagoon, the Cancun hotel zone, and Isla Mujeres offshore. Left-side passengers mostly see inland jungle and flat scrubland with no coastline. Notable sights include: Nichupte Lagoon, Cancun Hotel Zone, Isla Mujeres, Caribbean coastline.
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, easterly-side seats catch a clear view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline in the distance before the final turn onto the east-west runways. The left side during this segment faces flat suburban and farmland terrain with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline, Navy Pier area, O'Hare approach corridor.
How long is the flight from Cancun to Chicago?
The flight from Cancun International (CUN) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 3h 55m.
What does the Cancun to Chicago flight path pass over?
Gulf of Mexico crossing, Mississippi River delta near Louisiana coast, and low farmland of Mississippi, Tennessee, and southern Illinois along the route north.