Dallas to Chicago is 798 miles (1,285 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The right side gives you the Dallas skyline on departure and a decent view of the Illinois farmland patchwork during cruise. While the left side wins at landing for the Chicago lakefront, the Dallas departure view on the right is more dramatic and the overall right-side experience across the full flight is slightly more rewarding.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast over the flat Texas plains, crossing the Red River into Oklahoma, then over the rolling Ozark plateau of southern Missouri before entering the flat Illinois agricultural grid. The Mississippi River is a notable crossing point near the Missouri-Illinois border — a wide, brown, meandering river clearly visible from altitude. The Illinois farmland is a classic Midwest patchwork of square fields in greens and tans. No significant mountain ranges or large water bodies until Lake Michigan on approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DAL
RIGHTLove Field's primary departure runway 13R sends aircraft southeast before turning northeast, putting the Dallas skyline and downtown core on the right side. You get a clear view of the glass towers of downtown Dallas and the Trinity River corridor as you climb out.
Landing at ORD
LEFTO'Hare's primary arrival runways from the south (10L/10R or 27L approaches) position Lake Michigan and the Chicago lakefront on the left side during descent. The entire lakefront, Grant Park, and the Loop skyline are clearly visible on the left as you approach from the southwest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dallas Love Fld (DAL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dallas to Chicago. The right side gives you the Dallas skyline on departure and a decent view of the Illinois farmland patchwork during cruise. While the left side wins at landing for the Chicago lakefront, the Dallas departure view on the right is more dramatic and the overall right-side experience across the full flight is slightly more rewarding.
What can I see during takeoff from Dallas Love Fld in Dallas?
During takeoff from Dallas Love Fld (DAL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Love Field's primary departure runway 13R sends aircraft southeast before turning northeast, putting the Dallas skyline and downtown core on the right side. You get a clear view of the glass towers of downtown Dallas and the Trinity River corridor as you climb out. Notable sights include: Downtown Dallas skyline, Trinity River, White Rock Lake, Texas Stadium area (Arlington direction).
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. O'Hare's primary arrival runways from the south (10L/10R or 27L approaches) position Lake Michigan and the Chicago lakefront on the left side during descent. The entire lakefront, Grant Park, and the Loop skyline are clearly visible on the left as you approach from the southwest. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago Loop skyline, Wrigley Field area (North Side), O'Hare's distinctive runway grid visible ahead.
How long is the flight from Dallas to Chicago?
The flight from Dallas Love Fld (DAL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 798 miles (1,285 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dallas to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the flat Texas plains, crossing the Red River into Oklahoma, then over the rolling Ozark plateau of southern Missouri before entering the flat Illinois agricultural grid. The Mississippi River is a notable crossing point near the Missouri-Illinois border — a wide, brown, meandering river clearly visible from altitude. The Illinois farmland is a classic Midwest patchwork of square fields in greens and tans. No significant mountain ranges or large water bodies until Lake Michigan on approach.