While the takeoff offers interesting valley and plateau views, the landing provides superior scenic value with Lake Michigan's expansive water body and Chicago's distinctive urban grid and skyline. The lake view alone outweighs the takeoff scenery for most passengers.
Flown HSV to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Huntsville to Chicago is 511 miles (822 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Ohio River valley (visible during cruise over Kentucky/Indiana border region), scattered lakes and reservoirs across Indiana (Patoka Lake, Monroe Lake), transition from Appalachian foothills to Midwest plains, Illinois prairie landscape with agricultural grid patterns, scattered towns and road networks across central Illinois
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HSV
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Tennessee River valley and the Cumberland Plateau escarpment as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Huntsville. The plateau's distinctive ridge line and river meanders are clearly visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago metropolitan area during the descent and approach to O'Hare. The lake's vast expanse and the city's downtown skyline and grid pattern are prominent visual references.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Huntsville International Airport (HSV) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Huntsville to Chicago. While the takeoff offers interesting valley and plateau views, the landing provides superior scenic value with Lake Michigan's expansive water body and Chicago's distinctive urban grid and skyline. The lake view alone outweighs the takeoff scenery for most passengers.
What can I see during takeoff from Huntsville International Airport in Huntsville?
During takeoff from Huntsville International Airport (HSV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Tennessee River valley and the Cumberland Plateau escarpment as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Huntsville. The plateau's distinctive ridge line and river meanders are clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Tennessee River (winding through valley below), Cumberland Plateau eastern escarpment, Guntersville Lake (reservoir visible to the northeast), Monte Sano Mountain (local prominence south of airport).
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 of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago metropolitan area during the descent and approach to O'Hare. The lake's vast expanse and the city's downtown skyline and grid pattern are prominent visual references. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (western shoreline), Chicago downtown skyline and grid street pattern, Des Plaines River (visible as it flows toward Lake Michigan), O'Hare International Airport runways and taxiway infrastructure.
How long is the flight from Huntsville to Chicago?
The flight from Huntsville International Airport (HSV) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 511 miles (822 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Huntsville to Chicago flight path pass over?
Ohio River valley (visible during cruise over Kentucky/Indiana border region), scattered lakes and reservoirs across Indiana (Patoka Lake, Monroe Lake), transition from Appalachian foothills to Midwest plains, Illinois prairie landscape with agricultural grid patterns, scattered towns and road networks across central Illinois