While takeoff from MSP offers a nice glimpse of the Twin Cities, the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan visible during the ORD approach are more dramatic and memorable, giving the right side a slight overall edge on this short, mostly flat Midwest route.
Flight Path
Mississippi River crossing near La Crosse, Wisconsin farmland and low ridges, Rock River valley, scattered lakes near Madison, Wisconsin
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
LEFTDeparting MSP toward the southeast, the initial climb puts downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with the Mississippi River's bend through the Twin Cities, on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat suburban development with little visual interest.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach to ORD from the northwest, arriving aircraft often swing south of the field before turning back for final approach, putting Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline on the right side of the plane. This is the most visually distinctive part of the whole route.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Chicago. While takeoff from MSP offers a nice glimpse of the Twin Cities, the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan visible during the ORD approach are more dramatic and memorable, giving the right side a slight overall edge on this short, mostly flat Midwest route.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MSP toward the southeast, the initial climb puts downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with the Mississippi River's bend through the Twin Cities, on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat suburban development with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Mississippi River bend through downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul skyline, Minnesota River confluence, Twin Cities 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. On approach to ORD from the northwest, arriving aircraft often swing south of the field before turning back for final approach, putting Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline on the right side of the plane. This is the most visually distinctive part of the whole route. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock Center), Chicago's lakefront parks, O'Hare's surrounding grid of suburbs.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Chicago?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 1h 25m.
What does the Minneapolis to Chicago flight path pass over?
Mississippi River crossing near La Crosse, Wisconsin farmland and low ridges, Rock River valley, scattered lakes near Madison, Wisconsin