While landing offers dramatic Lake Michigan views on the left, the takeoff and cruise provide more consistent scenic value. Right-side seats capture the Red River valley, Minnesota farmland, and the transition through Iowa's rolling terrain during the majority of the flight. The landing approach is brief, making the extended midpoint views from the right side the better overall choice.
Flown FAR to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fargo to Chicago is 556 miles (895 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Iowa landscape including the Cedar River valley, Des Moines metropolitan area and surrounding farmland, transition from flat prairie to gently rolling terrain, Mississippi River valley approaching Illinois, Illinois River system in central Illinois
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FAR
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Red River valley and Minnesota farmland during the initial climb-out. The terrain slopes gradually eastward, and right-side windows capture the patchwork agricultural landscape that dominates the region immediately surrounding Fargo.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Chicago, particularly of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline. As the aircraft descends on approach vectors from the northwest, left-side windows frame the lake's eastern edge and the downtown skyline against the water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hector International Airport (FAR) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fargo to Chicago. While landing offers dramatic Lake Michigan views on the left, the takeoff and cruise provide more consistent scenic value. Right-side seats capture the Red River valley, Minnesota farmland, and the transition through Iowa's rolling terrain during the majority of the flight. The landing approach is brief, making the extended midpoint views from the right side the better overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Hector International Airport in Fargo?
During takeoff from Hector International Airport (FAR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Red River valley and Minnesota farmland during the initial climb-out. The terrain slopes gradually eastward, and right-side windows capture the patchwork agricultural landscape that dominates the region immediately surrounding Fargo. Notable sights include: Red River valley floor, Minnesota-North Dakota border region, agricultural grid pattern extending south and east, scattered farm clusters and rural roads.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Chicago, particularly of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline. As the aircraft descends on approach vectors from the northwest, left-side windows frame the lake's eastern edge and the downtown skyline against the water. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Chicago River, Grant Park and lakefront parks.
How long is the flight from Fargo to Chicago?
The flight from Hector International Airport (FAR) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 556 miles (895 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fargo to Chicago flight path pass over?
Iowa landscape including the Cedar River valley, Des Moines metropolitan area and surrounding farmland, transition from flat prairie to gently rolling terrain, Mississippi River valley approaching Illinois, Illinois River system in central Illinois