While takeoff favors the west with Orlando and Disney World in view, the right side wins overall thanks to the distinctive Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline approach, plus occasional glimpses of the Appalachian foothills to the east during the Georgia-Tennessee portion of the flight.
Flight Path
Rolling hills and foothills of northern Georgia and eastern Tennessee near the Appalachian range, the Cumberland Plateau, and the Tennessee and Ohio River valleys before the flat farmland of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois leads into Chicago.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTMCO's north-flow departures climb almost straight out on the route heading, putting Orlando's downtown skyline and the lakes and lagoons of Walt Disney World on the west side of the aircraft before the ground gives way to flat central Florida farmland.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTWith prevailing southwest winds, ORD typically lands to the west, so arrivals from the south are vectored north along the lakefront before turning onto final — giving a clear view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on the right side of the plane just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Chicago. While takeoff favors the west with Orlando and Disney World in view, the right side wins overall thanks to the distinctive Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline approach, plus occasional glimpses of the Appalachian foothills to the east during the Georgia-Tennessee portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. MCO's north-flow departures climb almost straight out on the route heading, putting Orlando's downtown skyline and the lakes and lagoons of Walt Disney World on the west side of the aircraft before the ground gives way to flat central Florida farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Orlando skyline, Walt Disney World (Epcot's geodesic dome, Seven Seas Lagoon), Orlando's lake district (Lake Eola area, Butler Chain of Lakes).
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. With prevailing southwest winds, ORD typically lands to the west, so arrivals from the south are vectored north along the lakefront before turning onto final — giving a clear view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on the right side of the plane just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, the Loop), Navy Pier, Chicago's lakefront parks.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Chicago?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 2h 45m.
What does the Orlando to Chicago flight path pass over?
Rolling hills and foothills of northern Georgia and eastern Tennessee near the Appalachian range, the Cumberland Plateau, and the Tennessee and Ohio River valleys before the flat farmland of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois leads into Chicago.