While the left side offers a quick glimpse of Manhattan at takeoff, the right side delivers both a Lake Erie coastline glimpse during cruise and a genuine Chicago skyline-and-lakefront approach on landing, giving it more sustained visual interest across the flight.
Flight Path
Appalachian foothills of northern Pennsylvania, the southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Cleutland to the north, and the flat farmland mosaic of Ohio and Indiana beneath the cruise track
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTDepartures from LGA to the west typically use Runway 13, climbing southeast before banking right toward Chicago. That turn puts the Manhattan skyline and the East River off the left side of the aircraft for a brief but classic New York view before the plane heads out over New Jersey.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArrivals into ORD from the east commonly swing south of Chicago before turning to land on the west-facing runways, bringing Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline into view on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent. This is one of the more recognizable urban approaches in the Midwest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Chicago. While the left side offers a quick glimpse of Manhattan at takeoff, the right side delivers both a Lake Erie coastline glimpse during cruise and a genuine Chicago skyline-and-lakefront approach on landing, giving it more sustained visual interest across the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from LGA to the west typically use Runway 13, climbing southeast before banking right toward Chicago. That turn puts the Manhattan skyline and the East River off the left side of the aircraft for a brief but classic New York view before the plane heads out over New Jersey. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, LaGuardia's Rikers Island shoreline, Hudson River mouth.
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. Arrivals into ORD from the east commonly swing south of Chicago before turning to land on the west-facing runways, bringing Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline into view on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent. This is one of the more recognizable urban approaches in the Midwest. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears/Willis area), Navy Pier, Chicago's southern lakefront neighborhoods.
How long is the flight from New York to Chicago?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 2h 35m.
What does the New York to Chicago flight path pass over?
Appalachian foothills of northern Pennsylvania, the southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Cleutland to the north, and the flat farmland mosaic of Ohio and Indiana beneath the cruise track