While takeoff favors the right side, the landing approach provides more compelling urban and hydrographic features. The Des Plaines River valley and Chicago's suburban landscape offer substantially more visual interest than the agricultural plains visible during climb-out. Left side captures the more memorable portion of the flight.
Flown LNK to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lincoln to Chicago is 465 miles (749 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Illinois, passing over the Illinois River valley near Hennepin and the Sangamon River drainage system. The terrain remains predominantly flat agricultural land with scattered small towns and county roads visible as linear features. No significant mountains or major water bodies interrupt the landscape between Lincoln and Chicago. The Des Plaines River valley becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing as the aircraft descends into the Chicago metropolitan area.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LNK
RIGHTRight side offers views of Lincoln's urban grid and the Salt Creek valley as the aircraft climbs northeast. The left side faces open agricultural land with minimal visual interest during the initial climb-out.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Des Plaines River valley and Chicago's western suburbs as the aircraft descends on approach to ORD. The right side faces away from the city during the standard westerly approach descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lincoln Muni (LNK) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lincoln to Chicago. While takeoff favors the right side, the landing approach provides more compelling urban and hydrographic features. The Des Plaines River valley and Chicago's suburban landscape offer substantially more visual interest than the agricultural plains visible during climb-out. Left side captures the more memorable portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Lincoln Muni in Lincoln?
During takeoff from Lincoln Muni (LNK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Lincoln's urban grid and the Salt Creek valley as the aircraft climbs northeast. The left side faces open agricultural land with minimal visual interest during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Lincoln city center and street grid, Salt Creek drainage valley, Cornhusker agricultural plains extending south and west.
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 the Des Plaines River valley and Chicago's western suburbs as the aircraft descends on approach to ORD. The right side faces away from the city during the standard westerly approach descent. Notable sights include: Des Plaines River and its floodplain, Chicago's western suburban sprawl (Oak Park, Forest Park, Cicero areas), Lake Michigan visible on the distant eastern horizon.
How long is the flight from Lincoln to Chicago?
The flight from Lincoln Muni (LNK) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 465 miles (749 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lincoln to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Illinois, passing over the Illinois River valley near Hennepin and the Sangamon River drainage system. The terrain remains predominantly flat agricultural land with scattered small towns and county roads visible as linear features. No significant mountains or major water bodies interrupt the landscape between Lincoln and Chicago. The Des Plaines River valley becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing as the aircraft descends into the Chicago metropolitan area.