While the left offers excellent mountain scenery during takeoff, the right side delivers the more dramatic finale with Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during descent. The landing views are more visually striking and memorable than the takeoff sequence.
Flown MSO to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Missoula to Chicago is 1,329 miles (2,139 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Northern Great Plains, passing over or near the Beartooth Mountains (visible from left during early climb), then transitions over central Montana and Wyoming. Notable midpoint features include the Missouri River breaks in central Montana, the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming (visible from left), and the Black Hills of South Dakota (visible from left in the distance). The flight then crosses Iowa's agricultural landscape before approaching Lake Michigan. The Yellowstone Plateau and Absaroka Range remain to the south but typically outside the standard flight corridor.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSO
LEFTLeft-side seats offer immediate views of the Northern Rocky Mountains as the aircraft climbs eastward. The Missoula Valley floor and surrounding peaks are best framed from the left wing during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the approach over Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. As the aircraft descends toward O'Hare from the northwest, the right wing provides direct views of the lakefront and downtown Chicago's distinctive skyline against the water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Missoula to Chicago. While the left offers excellent mountain scenery during takeoff, the right side delivers the more dramatic finale with Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during descent. The landing views are more visually striking and memorable than the takeoff sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Missoula Montana Airport in Missoula?
During takeoff from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer immediate views of the Northern Rocky Mountains as the aircraft climbs eastward. The Missoula Valley floor and surrounding peaks are best framed from the left wing during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Missoula Valley floor, Flathead Range to the north, Sapphire Mountains to the south, Clark Fork River winding through the valley.
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. Right-side seats capture the approach over Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. As the aircraft descends toward O'Hare from the northwest, the right wing provides direct views of the lakefront and downtown Chicago's distinctive skyline against the water. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline, Illinois prairie to the west, Des Plaines River valley.
How long is the flight from Missoula to Chicago?
The flight from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,329 miles (2,139 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Missoula to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Northern Great Plains, passing over or near the Beartooth Mountains (visible from left during early climb), then transitions over central Montana and Wyoming. Notable midpoint features include the Missouri River breaks in central Montana, the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming (visible from left), and the Black Hills of South Dakota (visible from left in the distance). The flight then crosses Iowa's agricultural landscape before approaching Lake Michigan. The Yellowstone Plateau and Absaroka Range remain to the south but typically outside the standard flight corridor.