The right side captures Miami's coastal skyline at departure and Chicago's lakefront skyline at arrival, bookending an otherwise unremarkable cruise over the rural Southeast and Midwest with two strong urban-coastal highlights.
Flight Path
Rolling farmland and forested ridges of southern Tennessee and Kentucky, with the Tennessee River valley briefly visible below the flight path before the terrain flattens into Midwest farmland approaching Illinois.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
RIGHTDeparting MIA and climbing northward, the right side offers views of the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, and the barrier islands along the Atlantic coast before the aircraft turns inland. The left side mostly shows the flat, repetitive Everglades sawgrass with little variation.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArrivals into ORD from the south typically offer views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline on the right side before turning onto final approach. The left side during descent shows only flat Illinois farmland with no distinguishing features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Miami International (MIA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Chicago. The right side captures Miami's coastal skyline at departure and Chicago's lakefront skyline at arrival, bookending an otherwise unremarkable cruise over the rural Southeast and Midwest with two strong urban-coastal highlights.
What can I see during takeoff from Miami International in Miami?
During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MIA and climbing northward, the right side offers views of the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, and the barrier islands along the Atlantic coast before the aircraft turns inland. The left side mostly shows the flat, repetitive Everglades sawgrass with little variation. Notable sights include: Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach barrier islands, Atlantic coastline.
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. Arrivals into ORD from the south typically offer views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline on the right side before turning onto final approach. The left side during descent shows only flat Illinois farmland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears/Willis area), Navy Pier, Chicago suburbs grid.
How long is the flight from Miami to Chicago?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 2h35m.
What does the Miami to Chicago flight path pass over?
Rolling farmland and forested ridges of southern Tennessee and Kentucky, with the Tennessee River valley briefly visible below the flight path before the terrain flattens into Midwest farmland approaching Illinois.