Spokane to Chicago flight pathGEGORD

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time4h 15m
Distance1,494
Heading094° → 115°
Best side
RightMostly right

While the takeoff offers mountain views, the landing provides the more dramatic and sustained scenic experience with Lake Michigan and Chicago's distinctive urban landscape. The lake views during descent are more visually compelling than plateau terrain during climb-out.

Flown GEG to ORD? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Spokane to Chicago is 1,494 miles (2,404 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.

Northern Rocky Mountains (visible around Montana border), Missouri River valley, Great Plains terrain, Mississippi River valley near Illinois border

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from GEG

LEFT

Left side offers views of the Cascade Range and the broader Columbia Plateau terrain as the aircraft climbs eastbound. Right side faces inland plateau with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb.

Cascade RangeColumbia PlateauSpokane urban areaSpokane River valley
GEG Spokane InternationalSpokane, United States
Aerial window seat view during landing at Chicago (right side) — Lake Michigan, Chicago skyline and downtown district, Illinois prairie, Des Plaines River valley

Landing at ORD

RIGHT

Right side provides views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during descent into ORD. Left side faces inland Illinois terrain with fewer distinctive visual markers during final approach.

Lake MichiganChicago skyline and downtown districtIllinois prairieDes Plaines River valley
ORD Chicago Ohare InternationalHub for United Airlines, American Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Spokane International (GEG) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Spokane to Chicago. While the takeoff offers mountain views, the landing provides the more dramatic and sustained scenic experience with Lake Michigan and Chicago's distinctive urban landscape. The lake views during descent are more visually compelling than plateau terrain during climb-out.

What can I see during takeoff from Spokane International in Spokane?

During takeoff from Spokane International (GEG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Cascade Range and the broader Columbia Plateau terrain as the aircraft climbs eastbound. Right side faces inland plateau with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: Cascade Range (distant western peaks), Columbia Plateau, Spokane urban area, Spokane River valley.

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 provides views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during descent into ORD. Left side faces inland Illinois terrain with fewer distinctive visual markers during final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago skyline and downtown district, Illinois prairie, Des Plaines River valley.

How long is the flight from Spokane to Chicago?

The flight from Spokane International (GEG) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,494 miles (2,404 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Spokane to Chicago flight path pass over?

Northern Rocky Mountains (visible around Montana border), Missouri River valley, Great Plains terrain, Mississippi River valley near Illinois border