Left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the route itself, the left side also tracks closer to the Canadian Rockies as the flight arcs southeast over British Columbia and Alberta, offering distant views of major mountain terrain in the middle portion of the flight.
Flown EDF to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Anchorage to Chicago is 2,832 miles (4,558 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The great circle route from Anchorage to Chicago passes southeast over the Alaska Range and Wrangell Mountains, then across the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies over Alberta, the prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and finally the flat agricultural plains of Minnesota and Wisconsin before descending into Chicago. The Rocky Mountain terrain over Alberta and British Columbia is the most visually dramatic midpoint feature, visible as a broad corrugated band of snow-capped ridges from cruising altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDF
LEFTElmendorf typically departs southeast on runway 06 or northeast on runway 24. A left-side seat gives you the Chugach Mountains rising directly to the east and the full sweep of Knik Arm below. You'll also catch a clear look at downtown Anchorage and the Port of Anchorage as you climb out.
Landing at ORD
LEFTO'Hare typically lands from the east or northeast on runways 10L/10R or 27L/27R depending on wind. On approach from the northwest, a left-side seat tracks over the northern Chicago suburbs and gives a clear view of Lake Michigan's southern shoreline and the downtown Chicago skyline on the horizon to the southeast. The right side faces open farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Elmendorf Afb (EDF) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Chicago. Left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the route itself, the left side also tracks closer to the Canadian Rockies as the flight arcs southeast over British Columbia and Alberta, offering distant views of major mountain terrain in the middle portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Elmendorf Afb in Anchorage?
During takeoff from Elmendorf Afb (EDF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Elmendorf typically departs southeast on runway 06 or northeast on runway 24. A left-side seat gives you the Chugach Mountains rising directly to the east and the full sweep of Knik Arm below. You'll also catch a clear look at downtown Anchorage and the Port of Anchorage as you climb out. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Knik Arm, downtown Anchorage, Port of Anchorage.
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 typically lands from the east or northeast on runways 10L/10R or 27L/27R depending on wind. On approach from the northwest, a left-side seat tracks over the northern Chicago suburbs and gives a clear view of Lake Michigan's southern shoreline and the downtown Chicago skyline on the horizon to the southeast. The right side faces open farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan southern shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline, O'Hare suburban grid, Des Plaines River corridor.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Chicago?
The flight from Elmendorf Afb (EDF) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,832 miles (4,558 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Anchorage to Chicago flight path pass over?
The great circle route from Anchorage to Chicago passes southeast over the Alaska Range and Wrangell Mountains, then across the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies over Alberta, the prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and finally the flat agricultural plains of Minnesota and Wisconsin before descending into Chicago. The Rocky Mountain terrain over Alberta and British Columbia is the most visually dramatic midpoint feature, visible as a broad corrugated band of snow-capped ridges from cruising altitude.