While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery on the left, the landing approach into Chicago provides more sustained visual interest with Lake Michigan and the city skyline. The right side captures the most distinctive feature of the entire route—the transition from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes region.
Flown EGE to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Eagle to Chicago is 1,005 miles (1,618 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado River basin, then transitions into the high plains of eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Notable features include the South Platte River valley, the Kansas plains with their geometric field patterns, and the Missouri River valley as you approach Illinois. The landscape gradually flattens from the Rocky Mountain foothills into the Great Plains, then into the glaciated terrain of the Midwest with its lakes and river systems.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from EGE
LEFTLeft-side seats offer immediate views of the Gore Range and the Vail Valley as you climb out westbound from Eagle County. The mountains rise dramatically to the north and west, creating a striking backdrop during the initial climb.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Chicago, particularly of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline. As you approach from the west, the right side reveals the lake's eastern edge and the city's downtown skyline against the water.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Eagle to Chicago. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery on the left, the landing approach into Chicago provides more sustained visual interest with Lake Michigan and the city skyline. The right side captures the most distinctive feature of the entire route—the transition from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes region.
What can I see during takeoff from Eagle County Regional Airport in Eagle?
During takeoff from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer immediate views of the Gore Range and the Vail Valley as you climb out westbound from Eagle County. The mountains rise dramatically to the north and west, creating a striking backdrop during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Gore Range, Vail Valley, Eagle River valley, Mount of the Holy Cross (distant).
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. Right-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Chicago, particularly of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline. As you approach from the west, the right side reveals the lake's eastern edge and the city's downtown skyline against the water. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Illinois farmland, Des Plaines River.
How long is the flight from Eagle to Chicago?
The flight from Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,005 miles (1,618 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Eagle to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado River basin, then transitions into the high plains of eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Notable features include the South Platte River valley, the Kansas plains with their geometric field patterns, and the Missouri River valley as you approach Illinois. The landscape gradually flattens from the Rocky Mountain foothills into the Great Plains, then into the glaciated terrain of the Midwest with its lakes and river systems.