The left side offers the more striking single moment—Chicago's skyline against Lake Michigan right after takeoff—while the rest of the route over Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee farmland is largely flat and unremarkable on either side.
Flight Path
Flat farmland of southern Illinois and western Kentucky, with the Ohio River crossing visible partway through the route before descending toward the Cumberland River basin near Nashville
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD sits about 17 miles west of downtown Chicago, and on a southbound departure toward Nashville the aircraft's climb-out puts the skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline off the left side as the city recedes to the east. It's a brief but recognizable urban view before the route settles over flat farmland.
Landing at BNA
RIGHTBNA's typical south-flow landing on the 20-series runways means the final approach continues straight down from the north, and downtown Nashville sits just northwest of the airport. That puts the compact skyline and the bend of the Cumberland River on the right side of the aircraft during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Nashville International (BNA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Nashville. The left side offers the more striking single moment—Chicago's skyline against Lake Michigan right after takeoff—while the rest of the route over Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee farmland is largely flat and unremarkable on either side.
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 sits about 17 miles west of downtown Chicago, and on a southbound departure toward Nashville the aircraft's climb-out puts the skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline off the left side as the city recedes to the east. It's a brief but recognizable urban view before the route settles over flat farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Loop/downtown high-rises.
What can I see when landing at Nashville International in Nashville?
When landing at Nashville International (BNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. BNA's typical south-flow landing on the 20-series runways means the final approach continues straight down from the north, and downtown Nashville sits just northwest of the airport. That puts the compact skyline and the bend of the Cumberland River on the right side of the aircraft during descent. Notable sights include: Downtown Nashville skyline, Cumberland River bends, Nissan Stadium area.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Nashville?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Nashville International (BNA) takes 1h 25m.
What does the Chicago to Nashville flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of southern Illinois and western Kentucky, with the Ohio River crossing visible partway through the route before descending toward the Cumberland River basin near Nashville