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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Chicago. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise phase heading north-northwest, the left side also faces generally west, offering views over central Florida lakes, Georgia's piedmont, Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau, and Kentucky farmland before the Chicago approach.
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 primary departure runways (18L/18R heading south, or 35L/35R heading north) mean a northbound departure on 35L/35R puts the left side facing west toward downtown Orlando, the theme park complexes, and the chain of lakes. The right side faces east toward open scrubland and the Atlantic coast in the distance. Notable sights include: Walt Disney World resort complex and its distinctive park layouts, downtown Orlando skyline, Lake Tohopekaliga and the Kissimmee chain of lakes, Universal Studios resort area.
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. ORD's primary arrival runways for traffic from the south typically use 10L/10C or 28R/28C. On approaches from the south-southeast, the left side of the aircraft faces south toward downtown Chicago, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the city grid. The right side faces northwest toward suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline including Willis Tower and the lakefront, Lake Michigan's western shoreline, the Chicago River corridor, O'Hare's distinctive runway layout visible just before touchdown.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Chicago?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Orlando to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north-northwest over central Georgia's red clay farmland and pine forests, crosses the Appalachian foothills near Chattanooga (visible as low ridgelines to the east from the right side), passes over the Tennessee Valley, crosses Kentucky's Bluegrass region with its distinctive horse farm patchwork, then crosses the Ohio River into Indiana's flat agricultural grid before descending into Chicago.