Left side wins both ends of this flight. At takeoff you get the Ohio River bends and Cincinnati skyline, and on approach into ORD you get the best angle on the Chicago lakefront and downtown skyline. The right side sees mostly flat Indiana farmland throughout.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest across Indiana, passing over flat agricultural land — the classic Midwest corn and soybean grid. You cross the Wabash River near the Indiana-Illinois border, and the Kankakee River valley appears in northern Indiana. The terrain is almost entirely flat glaciated farmland with no significant elevation changes. Chicago's southern suburbs begin appearing on the left side about 20-25 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CVG
LEFTCVG's primary departure runway 18L/36R runs roughly north-south. Departing northbound (runway 36R), the left side faces west toward the Ohio River bends and downtown Cincinnati's skyline across the river in Ohio. The river's distinctive meanders are clearly visible during climb-out.
Landing at ORD
LEFTORD's primary arrival runways from the southeast (runways 10L/10R) bring aircraft in from the south-southeast. The left side faces south toward downtown Chicago's lakefront skyline and Lake Michigan, which are clearly visible during the approach descent over the south suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International (CVG) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cincinnati to Chicago. Left side wins both ends of this flight. At takeoff you get the Ohio River bends and Cincinnati skyline, and on approach into ORD you get the best angle on the Chicago lakefront and downtown skyline. The right side sees mostly flat Indiana farmland throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International in Cincinnati?
During takeoff from Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International (CVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CVG's primary departure runway 18L/36R runs roughly north-south. Departing northbound (runway 36R), the left side faces west toward the Ohio River bends and downtown Cincinnati's skyline across the river in Ohio. The river's distinctive meanders are clearly visible during climb-out. Notable sights include: Ohio River bends south of Cincinnati, downtown Cincinnati skyline, Kentucky hills rolling south, I-275 beltway arc.
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's primary arrival runways from the southeast (runways 10L/10R) bring aircraft in from the south-southeast. The left side faces south toward downtown Chicago's lakefront skyline and Lake Michigan, which are clearly visible during the approach descent over the south suburbs. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Chicago's grid street pattern, O'Hare's distinctive multi-runway complex.
How long is the flight from Cincinnati to Chicago?
The flight from Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International (CVG) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 55-70 minutes.
What does the Cincinnati to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest across Indiana, passing over flat agricultural land — the classic Midwest corn and soybean grid. You cross the Wabash River near the Indiana-Illinois border, and the Kankakee River valley appears in northern Indiana. The terrain is almost entirely flat glaciated farmland with no significant elevation changes. Chicago's southern suburbs begin appearing on the left side about 20-25 minutes before landing.