Chicago to Oranjestad is 2,303 miles (3,707 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The left side delivers the spectacular Chicago departure — one of the most dramatic urban skyline views in aviation — plus the Gulf of Mexico crossing and views of the Venezuelan coastline and Caribbean islands on approach. The landing right-seat advantage is real but less dramatic than the Chicago departure experience.
Flight Path
After Chicago, the route tracks southeast over Indiana and Kentucky, then crosses Tennessee and the Appalachian foothills. It then passes over the Gulf of Mexico — a long overwater stretch with no landmarks. The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico may be visible on the left in the distance. The route then crosses the Caribbean Sea, passing north of Venezuela and Colombia, with occasional small island chains visible before Aruba comes into view.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD's most common southbound departures on runways 10L/10C/10R send the aircraft eastward over the city. A left (north-facing) seat gives you a clear view of downtown Chicago's skyline, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the dense urban grid of the North Side. Right seats look back toward the western suburbs with little of interest.
Landing at AUA
RIGHTReina Beatrix Airport's primary runway is oriented roughly east-west (runway 11/29). Arriving aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 11, meaning the aircraft tracks westward over the Caribbean. A right (north-facing) seat gives you views of Aruba's northern coastline, the turquoise waters of the Leeward coast, and the island's arid interior. Left seats look south toward open ocean.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Reina Beatrix International (AUA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Oranjestad. The left side delivers the spectacular Chicago departure — one of the most dramatic urban skyline views in aviation — plus the Gulf of Mexico crossing and views of the Venezuelan coastline and Caribbean islands on approach. The landing right-seat advantage is real but less dramatic than the Chicago departure experience.
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's most common southbound departures on runways 10L/10C/10R send the aircraft eastward over the city. A left (north-facing) seat gives you a clear view of downtown Chicago's skyline, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the dense urban grid of the North Side. Right seats look back toward the western suburbs with little of interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier and Grant Park lakefront, Chicago River corridor through the Loop.
What can I see when landing at Reina Beatrix International in Oranjestad?
When landing at Reina Beatrix International (AUA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Reina Beatrix Airport's primary runway is oriented roughly east-west (runway 11/29). Arriving aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 11, meaning the aircraft tracks westward over the Caribbean. A right (north-facing) seat gives you views of Aruba's northern coastline, the turquoise waters of the Leeward coast, and the island's arid interior. Left seats look south toward open ocean. Notable sights include: Aruba's northern coastline and Eagle Beach area, the turquoise shallow-water shelf surrounding the island, Oranjestad harbor and downtown, the rugged Arikok National Park interior.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Oranjestad?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Reina Beatrix International (AUA) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,303 miles (3,707 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Oranjestad flight path pass over?
After Chicago, the route tracks southeast over Indiana and Kentucky, then crosses Tennessee and the Appalachian foothills. It then passes over the Gulf of Mexico — a long overwater stretch with no landmarks. The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico may be visible on the left in the distance. The route then crosses the Caribbean Sea, passing north of Venezuela and Colombia, with occasional small island chains visible before Aruba comes into view.