While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach provides the most visually distinctive and memorable views—Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline are far more striking than the relatively subtle terrain changes across the Great Plains during cruise.
Flown IDA to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Idaho Falls to Chicago is 1,226 miles (1,974 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Wasatch Range near the Utah-Wyoming border, then traverses the Green River basin and the Uinta Mountains. Over Wyoming, the North Platte River valley and the Laramie Range are visible. Entering Nebraska, the flight passes over the Platte River valley and the Sand Hills region. As the aircraft approaches Illinois, the Mississippi River valley becomes visible, followed by the Illinois prairie and eventually the Chicago metropolitan area's urban sprawl.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IDA
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Snake River Plain stretching eastward and the Teton Range on the southeastern horizon. Right side faces the lower terrain and agricultural areas with less dramatic relief.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight side provides views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and Chicago's downtown skyline during the final approach. Left side shows only inland suburban sprawl and industrial areas without distinctive landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Idaho Falls to Chicago. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach provides the most visually distinctive and memorable views—Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline are far more striking than the relatively subtle terrain changes across the Great Plains during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Idaho Falls Regional Airport in Idaho Falls?
During takeoff from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Snake River Plain stretching eastward and the Teton Range on the southeastern horizon. Right side faces the lower terrain and agricultural areas with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Snake River Plain, Teton Range (southeast), Henry's Fork valley, Yellowstone Plateau (distant northeast).
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's shoreline and Chicago's downtown skyline during the final approach. Left side shows only inland suburban sprawl and industrial areas without distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Chicago River, Grant Park waterfront.
How long is the flight from Idaho Falls to Chicago?
The flight from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,226 miles (1,974 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Idaho Falls to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Wasatch Range near the Utah-Wyoming border, then traverses the Green River basin and the Uinta Mountains. Over Wyoming, the North Platte River valley and the Laramie Range are visible. Entering Nebraska, the flight passes over the Platte River valley and the Sand Hills region. As the aircraft approaches Illinois, the Mississippi River valley becomes visible, followed by the Illinois prairie and eventually the Chicago metropolitan area's urban sprawl.