While takeoff on the right offers Ouachita Mountain views, the landing approach on the left with Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline is more visually compelling and memorable. The lake and downtown views outweigh the mountain scenery at departure.
Flown LIT to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Little Rock to Chicago is 553 miles (889 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Missouri, passing east of the Ozark Plateau. Notable features include the Missouri River valley near Jefferson City (roughly 1 hour into flight), followed by the transition into Illinois farmland. The Illinois River valley becomes visible in the final approach phase. No major mountain ranges are visible from cruise altitude on this route—the terrain is predominantly rolling hills and agricultural plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIT
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Arkansas River valley and the Ouachita Mountains to the southwest as the aircraft climbs out. The left side faces mostly flat terrain with scattered development.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft side provides views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and Chicago's downtown skyline as the aircraft descends on final approach. Right side faces inland residential and industrial areas with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Adams Fld (LIT) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Little Rock to Chicago. While takeoff on the right offers Ouachita Mountain views, the landing approach on the left with Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline is more visually compelling and memorable. The lake and downtown views outweigh the mountain scenery at departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Adams Fld in Little Rock?
During takeoff from Adams Fld (LIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Arkansas River valley and the Ouachita Mountains to the southwest as the aircraft climbs out. The left side faces mostly flat terrain with scattered development. Notable sights include: Arkansas River, Ouachita Mountains, Lake Maumelle, Little Rock downtown skyline.
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 provides views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and Chicago's downtown skyline as the aircraft descends on final approach. Right side faces inland residential and industrial areas with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown and Willis Tower, Grant Park, Chicago River.
How long is the flight from Little Rock to Chicago?
The flight from Adams Fld (LIT) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 553 miles (889 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Little Rock to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Missouri, passing east of the Ozark Plateau. Notable features include the Missouri River valley near Jefferson City (roughly 1 hour into flight), followed by the transition into Illinois farmland. The Illinois River valley becomes visible in the final approach phase. No major mountain ranges are visible from cruise altitude on this route—the terrain is predominantly rolling hills and agricultural plains.