Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Chicago. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Norfolk Naval Station and Hampton Roads on departure, and the Chicago lakefront and skyline on approach. The right side offers little of comparable interest along this mostly flat Appalachian and Midwest corridor.

During takeoff from Norfolk Ns (NGU), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAS Oceana and Norfolk Naval Station departures typically head northwest over the Hampton Roads area. The left side gives you a clear view back over the Elizabeth River, Norfolk Naval Station (the world's largest naval base), and the broad expanse of Hampton Roads harbor with its ship traffic. Notable sights include: Norfolk Naval Station piers and carrier berths, Hampton Roads harbor, Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel causeway, Newport News shipyards across the water.

When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. O'Hare arrivals from the east typically come in on westerly headings, putting Lake Michigan and the Chicago lakefront on the left side. You get a prolonged view of the downtown skyline, Grant Park, and the entire lakefront as you descend over the suburbs. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, suburban grid of Cook County.

The flight from Norfolk Ns (NGU) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight tracks northwest over the Virginia Piedmont, crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains (visible as a distinct dark ridgeline), then over the Shenandoah Valley, West Virginia's Allegheny Plateau, and the flat agricultural plains of Ohio and Indiana before descending into Chicago. The Ohio River crossing near Huntington or Charleston area is a notable feature mid-flight.