While the left side wins at takeoff for the Chicago skyline, the right side offers the more sustained and visually interesting experience overall. During cruise the right side looks south and east toward the Appalachian foothills as you approach Tennessee and Alabama, and the Red Mountain and ridge-valley terrain on approach into Birmingham is genuinely dramatic compared to flat suburban Chicago on departure.
Flown ORD to BHM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Birmingham is 585 miles (941 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly southeast over central Illinois farmland, crossing the Ohio River near Evansville Indiana, then over western Kentucky and Tennessee. The flat agricultural grid of Illinois gives way to gently rolling terrain in Kentucky. As you descend into Alabama the Appalachian ridge-and-valley system becomes visible, with parallel forested ridges running northeast to southwest across the landscape. The Tennessee River valley may be visible on the right side over northern Alabama.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTO'Hare's most common southbound departures on runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R mean the aircraft typically turns southeast toward downtown Chicago. The left side gives you a clear view of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the dense urban grid of the city as you climb out heading south.
Landing at BHM
RIGHTFlights from Chicago approach Birmingham typically from the north or northwest, with BHM's primary runway 06/24 meaning arrivals often come in from the northwest on a heading toward runway 06. The right side on approach gives views of the Appalachian ridges of the Cahaba Valley and Red Mountain, plus the downtown Birmingham skyline as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Birmingham International (BHM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Birmingham. While the left side wins at takeoff for the Chicago skyline, the right side offers the more sustained and visually interesting experience overall. During cruise the right side looks south and east toward the Appalachian foothills as you approach Tennessee and Alabama, and the Red Mountain and ridge-valley terrain on approach into Birmingham is genuinely dramatic compared to flat suburban Chicago on departure.
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 southbound departures on runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R mean the aircraft typically turns southeast toward downtown Chicago. The left side gives you a clear view of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the dense urban grid of the city as you climb out heading south. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River corridor, suburban grid of Oak Park and Cicero.
What can I see when landing at Birmingham International in Birmingham?
When landing at Birmingham International (BHM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Flights from Chicago approach Birmingham typically from the north or northwest, with BHM's primary runway 06/24 meaning arrivals often come in from the northwest on a heading toward runway 06. The right side on approach gives views of the Appalachian ridges of the Cahaba Valley and Red Mountain, plus the downtown Birmingham skyline as you descend. Notable sights include: Red Mountain and Vulcan statue, downtown Birmingham skyline, Cahaba River valley, Appalachian ridge-and-valley terrain to the east.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Birmingham?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Birmingham International (BHM) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 585 miles (941 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Birmingham flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly southeast over central Illinois farmland, crossing the Ohio River near Evansville Indiana, then over western Kentucky and Tennessee. The flat agricultural grid of Illinois gives way to gently rolling terrain in Kentucky. As you descend into Alabama the Appalachian ridge-and-valley system becomes visible, with parallel forested ridges running northeast to southwest across the landscape. The Tennessee River valley may be visible on the right side over northern Alabama.