The takeoff experience over the Teton Range is more visually dramatic and geographically distinctive than the landing approach. While the Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline views on descent are pleasant, the Tetons provide more striking alpine scenery that justifies the left-side preference for the overall flight.
Flown JAC to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Jackson to Chicago is 1,159 miles (1,866 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Absaroka Range and Bighorn Mountains in northwestern Wyoming, then transitions over the Powder River Basin and Black Hills of South Dakota. The North Platte River valley becomes visible in central Wyoming. As the aircraft continues east, the landscape flattens into the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, with the Missouri River marking a significant geographic boundary. The Mississippi River appears near the final approach to Chicago, running north-south through Illinois.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JAC
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Teton Range as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Jackson Hole. The dramatic peaks dominate the western landscape during the initial climb, providing the most striking scenery in the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight side provides views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft descends toward Chicago from the west. The lake's massive expanse becomes visible 30-40 miles out, and the right window captures the shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the lake's eastern horizon during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Jackson to Chicago. The takeoff experience over the Teton Range is more visually dramatic and geographically distinctive than the landing approach. While the Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline views on descent are pleasant, the Tetons provide more striking alpine scenery that justifies the left-side preference for the overall flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Jackson Hole Airport in Jackson?
During takeoff from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Teton Range as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Jackson Hole. The dramatic peaks dominate the western landscape during the initial climb, providing the most striking scenery in the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Teton Range (Grand Teton, Middle Teton, South Teton), Jackson Lake, Gros Ventre Range to the east.
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 as the aircraft descends toward Chicago from the west. The lake's massive expanse becomes visible 30-40 miles out, and the right window captures the shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the lake's eastern horizon during final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Chicago River, Grant Park.
How long is the flight from Jackson to Chicago?
The flight from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,159 miles (1,866 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Jackson to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Absaroka Range and Bighorn Mountains in northwestern Wyoming, then transitions over the Powder River Basin and Black Hills of South Dakota. The North Platte River valley becomes visible in central Wyoming. As the aircraft continues east, the landscape flattens into the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, with the Missouri River marking a significant geographic boundary. The Mississippi River appears near the final approach to Chicago, running north-south through Illinois.