The right side wins on both ends of this short hop: it offers a departing glimpse of Detroit's skyline and Lake St. Clair, then a striking view of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan's shoreline on arrival, while the left side sees only flat, undifferentiated Midwest farmland throughout.
Flight Path
The route crosses the flat agricultural plains of southern Michigan and northern Indiana, passing near the southern tip of Lake Michigan close to Michigan City and Gary before descending into the Chicago area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTDeparting DTW on the southwest-facing 22 runways, the right-side (north-facing) window catches a receding glimpse of downtown Detroit's skyline and the shoreline of Lake St. Clair as the aircraft turns onto its westbound course. The left side only shows flat farmland stretching toward the distant, barely visible Lake Erie basin.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArrivals into ORD from the east typically swing south of downtown before turning onto final for the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Chicago skyline and the curving Lake Michigan shoreline. The left side faces inland toward flat, featureless Illinois suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Chicago. The right side wins on both ends of this short hop: it offers a departing glimpse of Detroit's skyline and Lake St. Clair, then a striking view of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan's shoreline on arrival, while the left side sees only flat, undifferentiated Midwest farmland throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DTW on the southwest-facing 22 runways, the right-side (north-facing) window catches a receding glimpse of downtown Detroit's skyline and the shoreline of Lake St. Clair as the aircraft turns onto its westbound course. The left side only shows flat farmland stretching toward the distant, barely visible Lake Erie basin. Notable sights include: Downtown Detroit skyline, Lake St. Clair shoreline, Detroit River outlet, suburban grid of Wayne County.
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 east typically swing south of downtown before turning onto final for the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Chicago skyline and the curving Lake Michigan shoreline. The left side faces inland toward flat, featureless Illinois suburbs. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop towers), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Chicago lakefront parks.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Chicago?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 1h 28m.
What does the Detroit to Chicago flight path pass over?
The route crosses the flat agricultural plains of southern Michigan and northern Indiana, passing near the southern tip of Lake Michigan close to Michigan City and Gary before descending into the Chicago area.