The right side wins both takeoff and landing: dramatic volcano views departing Mexico City and a skyline/lake glimpse arriving Chicago, while the left side offers mostly flat, unremarkable terrain throughout the flight.
Flown MEX to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Mexico City to Chicago is 1,689 miles (2,719 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.
Sierra Madre Oriental foothills near Monterrey, the flat plains of northern Mexico and south Texas, then the agricultural flatlands of the central United States (Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois) with no major mountain or coastal features along cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEX
RIGHTDeparting MEX on runway 05L, the initial climb and left turn toward the north puts the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl on the right side of the aircraft, rising dramatically above the Valley of Mexico. The left side mostly shows the sprawling western suburbs and Sierra de las Cruces foothills, less distinctive by comparison.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into ORD from the south, arrivals frequently swing wide before aligning with the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a view of downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan before the final turn. The left side typically only shows flat suburban grid and farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mexico City to Chicago. The right side wins both takeoff and landing: dramatic volcano views departing Mexico City and a skyline/lake glimpse arriving Chicago, while the left side offers mostly flat, unremarkable terrain throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
During takeoff from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MEX on runway 05L, the initial climb and left turn toward the north puts the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl on the right side of the aircraft, rising dramatically above the Valley of Mexico. The left side mostly shows the sprawling western suburbs and Sierra de las Cruces foothills, less distinctive by comparison. Notable sights include: Popocatepetl volcano, Iztaccihuatl volcano, Valley of Mexico basin, eastern Mexico City suburbs.
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. On approach into ORD from the south, arrivals frequently swing wide before aligning with the east-west runways, giving right-side passengers a view of downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan before the final turn. The left side typically only shows flat suburban grid and farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Willis Tower area, O'Hare's surrounding suburban grid.
How long is the flight from Mexico City to Chicago?
The flight from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,689 miles (2,719 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Mexico City to Chicago flight path pass over?
Sierra Madre Oriental foothills near Monterrey, the flat plains of northern Mexico and south Texas, then the agricultural flatlands of the central United States (Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois) with no major mountain or coastal features along cruise.