The right side captures the dramatic New York takeoff view of Manhattan and keeps a chance at glimpsing Lake Erie's southern shore during cruise, giving it two scenic highlights versus the left side's single strong moment over Chicago on arrival.
Flight Path
Low Appalachian ridgelines over central Pennsylvania, the southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Erie, PA, and the flat farmland of Ohio and Indiana leading into the Chicago area.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTJFK departures heading west typically climb out over Jamaica Bay and then bank toward Brooklyn and Queens, putting the Manhattan skyline and East River squarely on the north (right) side of the cabin. Left-side passengers mostly see the flat Rockaway Peninsula and open Atlantic.
Landing at ORD
LEFTArrivals into ORD from the east typically land on the westward-facing runways, meaning the approach path clips just north of downtown Chicago before touchdown. This puts the Loop skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline on the south (left) side of the aircraft during the descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Chicago. The right side captures the dramatic New York takeoff view of Manhattan and keeps a chance at glimpsing Lake Erie's southern shore during cruise, giving it two scenic highlights versus the left side's single strong moment over Chicago on arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. JFK departures heading west typically climb out over Jamaica Bay and then bank toward Brooklyn and Queens, putting the Manhattan skyline and East River squarely on the north (right) side of the cabin. Left-side passengers mostly see the flat Rockaway Peninsula and open Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, One World Trade Center), East River, Long Island Sound, LaGuardia 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. Arrivals into ORD from the east typically land on the westward-facing runways, meaning the approach path clips just north of downtown Chicago before touchdown. This puts the Loop skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline on the south (left) side of the aircraft during the descent. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Navy Pier), Lake Michigan shoreline, the Loop, Lincoln Park lakefront.
How long is the flight from New York to Chicago?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 2h 45m.
What does the New York to Chicago flight path pass over?
Low Appalachian ridgelines over central Pennsylvania, the southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Erie, PA, and the flat farmland of Ohio and Indiana leading into the Chicago area.