About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Austin. While the left side offers the spectacular Chicago departure view, the right side delivers the better landing experience into Austin with the skyline and Lady Bird Lake clearly visible. For the full flight, the right side also tracks closer to the Missouri and Arkansas terrain features en route, making it the stronger overall choice.
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. O'Hare's most common departure runways (9L/9R heading east, or 10L/10R) mean a southbound turn toward Austin puts the Chicago skyline on the left side. You'll get a clear view of the downtown Loop, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the dense urban grid as the aircraft banks south. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway Airport to the south, the sprawling suburban grid of the Chicago metro.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Austin Bergstrom's primary arrival runway is 17L/17R, meaning aircraft approach from the north heading south. On right side you'll see downtown Austin's skyline and the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake) clearly as you descend over the city before crossing to the airport east of downtown. Notable sights include: Downtown Austin skyline, Lady Bird Lake (Colorado River impoundment), the Texas Hill Country to the west, the Colorado River corridor.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Austin?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Chicago to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly southwest over central Illinois farmland, crosses the Mississippi River near St. Louis (Missouri), then passes over the Ozark Plateau of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas — rolling forested hills visible from altitude. The route then crosses into Oklahoma's flat plains before entering Texas, where the terrain transitions from the Cross Timbers scrubland to the limestone Edwards Plateau of central Texas approaching Austin.