The right side captures both the dramatic Rocky Mountain backdrop during departure and a glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival, while the left side offers only flat plains for nearly the entire flight.
Flight Path
Great Plains farmland across Nebraska and Iowa, the Platte River near its confluence with the Missouri River, the Missouri River crossing near Omaha, and the Mississippi River crossing near the Quad Cities on the Iowa-Illinois border
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDepartures from DEN typically launch southbound before turning east toward Chicago, and during that turn passengers on the right side get a clear view of the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains rising behind Denver. The left side only shows flat plains stretching away from the airport.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArrivals into ORD from the west are often vectored south of the city before turning north to land, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine look at the Chicago skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan. The left side during this maneuver mostly faces flat suburban terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Chicago. The right side captures both the dramatic Rocky Mountain backdrop during departure and a glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on arrival, while the left side offers only flat plains for nearly the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures from DEN typically launch southbound before turning east toward Chicago, and during that turn passengers on the right side get a clear view of the Front Range and the Rocky Mountains rising behind Denver. The left side only shows flat plains stretching away from the airport. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Denver's downtown skyline, South Platte River valley.
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. Arrivals into ORD from the west are often vectored south of the city before turning north to land, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine look at the Chicago skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan. The left side during this maneuver mostly faces flat suburban terrain. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Willis Tower area, O'Hare's runway grid.
How long is the flight from Denver to Chicago?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 2h 15m.
What does the Denver to Chicago flight path pass over?
Great Plains farmland across Nebraska and Iowa, the Platte River near its confluence with the Missouri River, the Missouri River crossing near Omaha, and the Mississippi River crossing near the Quad Cities on the Iowa-Illinois border