The left side wins mainly on the strength of the Blue Ridge Mountain views during departure, since the long cruise over Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana farmland offers little terrain drama on either side, and the right side's Chicago glimpse is brief.
Flown GSP to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Greenville/Greer/Spartanburg to Chicago is 578 miles (930 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Rolling Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky giving way to the flat farmland of the Ohio Valley and central Indiana
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GSP
LEFTDeparting GSP on runway 22, the initial climb heads southwest before turning northwest toward Chicago, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the South Carolina foothills falling away behind the aircraft.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into ORD from the south, arrivals often swing over Chicago's southern suburbs before lining up on the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Greenville/Greer/Spartanburg to Chicago. The left side wins mainly on the strength of the Blue Ridge Mountain views during departure, since the long cruise over Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana farmland offers little terrain drama on either side, and the right side's Chicago glimpse is brief.
What can I see during takeoff from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greenville/Greer/Spartanburg?
During takeoff from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing GSP on runway 22, the initial climb heads southwest before turning northwest toward Chicago, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the South Carolina foothills falling away behind the aircraft. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Escarpment, Table Rock Mountain, Green River Gorge, Lake Jocassee.
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 south, arrivals often swing over Chicago's southern suburbs before lining up on the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a brief but genuine glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway area suburbs.
How long is the flight from Greenville/Greer/Spartanburg to Chicago?
The flight from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 578 miles (930 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Greenville/Greer/Spartanburg to Chicago flight path pass over?
Rolling Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky giving way to the flat farmland of the Ohio Valley and central Indiana