The left side edges ahead thanks to the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan glimpse during the post-takeoff turn, plus a chance to see the low ridgelines of the Cumberland Plateau foothills east of the flight path during cruise, giving it slightly more variety than the right side's mostly flat farmland until the Atlanta approach.
Flight Path
The route crosses southern Indiana and Kentucky farmland, passes near the Ohio River valley, and skirts the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau foothills (the westernmost ridges of the Appalachians) before descending into the Piedmont terrain around Atlanta.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD departures toward the southeast typically climb out westbound before banking left onto a southerly heading toward Atlanta, and during that turn the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline briefly swing into view on the left side. The right side over the western suburbs shows only flat grid-pattern neighborhoods and farmland.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTUnder typical west-flow arrivals, ATL-bound aircraft approach from the east and land heading west on runway 27, putting downtown Atlanta's skyline off to the right (north) during final descent. The left side faces open suburban terrain south of the airport with no comparable landmark.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Atlanta. The left side edges ahead thanks to the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan glimpse during the post-takeoff turn, plus a chance to see the low ridgelines of the Cumberland Plateau foothills east of the flight path during cruise, giving it slightly more variety than the right side's mostly flat farmland until the Atlanta approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. ORD departures toward the southeast typically climb out westbound before banking left onto a southerly heading toward Atlanta, and during that turn the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline briefly swing into view on the left side. The right side over the western suburbs shows only flat grid-pattern neighborhoods and farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Loop/downtown high-rises, O'Hare's surrounding suburban grid.
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Under typical west-flow arrivals, ATL-bound aircraft approach from the east and land heading west on runway 27, putting downtown Atlanta's skyline off to the right (north) during final descent. The left side faces open suburban terrain south of the airport with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Bank of America Plaza tower, Chattahoochee River bends, Hartsfield-Jackson's parallel runway complex.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Atlanta?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes 2h 10m.
What does the Chicago to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The route crosses southern Indiana and Kentucky farmland, passes near the Ohio River valley, and skirts the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau foothills (the westernmost ridges of the Appalachians) before descending into the Piedmont terrain around Atlanta.