Fayetteville to Chicago is 532 miles (856 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
The left side captures the Missouri and Illinois river valley terrain during the cruise portion and delivers the superior Chicago lakefront and skyline approach. The right side has good Ozark views on departure but the left side wins on total scenic value across the full flight.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Missouri Ozarks, then the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau or further north depending on routing, followed by the flat agricultural plains of central Illinois. The Illinois River valley is visible before descent into Chicago. The terrain transitions sharply from forested Ozark hills to the dead-flat corn and soybean grid of the Illinois prairie, which dominates the middle third of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from FYV
RIGHTDrake Field typically departs runway 34 (northbound) or runway 16 (southbound). On a northbound departure toward Chicago, the right side faces east, giving views over the Boston Mountains and the broader Ozark Plateau terrain. The rugged forested ridgelines of the Ozarks are clearly visible as you climb out.
Landing at ORD
LEFTO'Hare arrivals from the south frequently use runways oriented northeast-southwest (runways 10/28 or 9R/27L). On approach from the southwest, the left side faces south toward the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's southwestern shoreline. The downtown Loop and lakefront are clearly identifiable during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Drake Fld (FYV) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fayetteville to Chicago. The left side captures the Missouri and Illinois river valley terrain during the cruise portion and delivers the superior Chicago lakefront and skyline approach. The right side has good Ozark views on departure but the left side wins on total scenic value across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Drake Fld in Fayetteville?
During takeoff from Drake Fld (FYV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Drake Field typically departs runway 34 (northbound) or runway 16 (southbound). On a northbound departure toward Chicago, the right side faces east, giving views over the Boston Mountains and the broader Ozark Plateau terrain. The rugged forested ridgelines of the Ozarks are clearly visible as you climb out. Notable sights include: Boston Mountains ridgelines to the east, Fayetteville urban grid below, Lake Leatherwood visible to the northeast near Eureka Springs, White River valley cuts.
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 arrivals from the south frequently use runways oriented northeast-southwest (runways 10/28 or 9R/27L). On approach from the southwest, the left side faces south toward the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's southwestern shoreline. The downtown Loop and lakefront are clearly identifiable during descent. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan southwestern shoreline, Midway Airport visible to the south, suburban Cook County grid pattern.
How long is the flight from Fayetteville to Chicago?
The flight from Drake Fld (FYV) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 532 miles (856 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fayetteville to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Missouri Ozarks, then the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau or further north depending on routing, followed by the flat agricultural plains of central Illinois. The Illinois River valley is visible before descent into Chicago. The terrain transitions sharply from forested Ozark hills to the dead-flat corn and soybean grid of the Illinois prairie, which dominates the middle third of the flight.