The right side bookends the flight with two genuine skyline moments—Manhattan at takeoff and Chicago at landing—plus a chance to see Lake Erie's southern shoreline near Cleveland during cruise, while the left side offers only flat, featureless farmland for the entire route.
Flight Path
Appalachian ridge-and-valley terrain of central Pennsylvania, followed by the flat farmland of eastern Ohio and Indiana, with a possible glimpse of Lake Erie's southern shore near Akron-Cleveland on the right side.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
RIGHTWestbound departures out of EWR typically bank toward the northwest after takeoff, putting Manhattan, the Hudson River, and Newark Bay on the right side of the aircraft for a brief but striking skyline view. The left side only shows the flat industrial New Jersey Meadowlands and suburban sprawl.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into ORD from the east, arrivals often pass just south or east of the city before turning onto the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Chicago skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan. The left side mostly faces flat suburban Illinois with no major landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Chicago. The right side bookends the flight with two genuine skyline moments—Manhattan at takeoff and Chicago at landing—plus a chance to see Lake Erie's southern shoreline near Cleveland during cruise, while the left side offers only flat, featureless farmland for the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Westbound departures out of EWR typically bank toward the northwest after takeoff, putting Manhattan, the Hudson River, and Newark Bay on the right side of the aircraft for a brief but striking skyline view. The left side only shows the flat industrial New Jersey Meadowlands and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Newark Bay, Staten Island.
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. On approach into ORD from the east, arrivals often pass just south or east of the city before turning onto the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Chicago skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan. The left side mostly faces flat suburban Illinois with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Willis Tower, O'Hare's parallel runway complex.
How long is the flight from Newark to Chicago?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 2h 25m.
What does the Newark to Chicago flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridge-and-valley terrain of central Pennsylvania, followed by the flat farmland of eastern Ohio and Indiana, with a possible glimpse of Lake Erie's southern shore near Akron-Cleveland on the right side.