While takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Sierra Nevada foothills, Kern River, and extensive agricultural landscape are visually distinctive and occupy most of the descent. Right-side seats capture this better.
Flown ORD to BFL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Bakersfield is 1,729 miles (2,782 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and enters the Sierra Nevada region. Notable features include the Illinois prairie and farmland, the Mississippi River valley (visible from altitude), the Great Plains of Iowa and Nebraska, the Rocky Mountain foothills approaching Colorado, the high desert of Utah and Nevada, and finally the southern Sierra Nevada range and Kern County agricultural basin before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the initial climb-out westward. You'll see the downtown skyline receding and the lake's eastern edge clearly defined.
Landing at BFL
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views of the southern San Joaquin Valley and the approach into Bakersfield from the north. You'll see the Kern River, agricultural fields, and the Sierra Nevada foothills rising to the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Meadows Fld (BFL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Bakersfield. While takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Sierra Nevada foothills, Kern River, and extensive agricultural landscape are visually distinctive and occupy most of the descent. Right-side seats capture this better.
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. Left-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the initial climb-out westward. You'll see the downtown skyline receding and the lake's eastern edge clearly defined. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Indiana shoreline to the south, Des Plaines River valley.
What can I see when landing at Meadows Fld in Bakersfield?
When landing at Meadows Fld (BFL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views of the southern San Joaquin Valley and the approach into Bakersfield from the north. You'll see the Kern River, agricultural fields, and the Sierra Nevada foothills rising to the east. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada foothills, Kern River, San Joaquin Valley agricultural grid, Bakersfield urban area.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Bakersfield?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Meadows Fld (BFL) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,729 miles (2,782 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Bakersfield flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains and enters the Sierra Nevada region. Notable features include the Illinois prairie and farmland, the Mississippi River valley (visible from altitude), the Great Plains of Iowa and Nebraska, the Rocky Mountain foothills approaching Colorado, the high desert of Utah and Nevada, and finally the southern Sierra Nevada range and Kern County agricultural basin before landing.