The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Chicago's skyline and lakefront during takeoff, and Boston Harbor plus the downtown skyline during the northerly approach into Logan. The left side offers mostly flat farmland and open harbor water with fewer distinctive landmarks.
Flight Path
The route crosses southern Michigan, clips the eastern end of Lake Erie near Erie, Pennsylvania, then continues over the rolling Appalachian foothills of western New York and the Mohawk Valley before descending into New England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTEastbound departures from ORD pass just north of downtown Chicago, putting the skyline and the southern curve of Lake Michigan on the right side of the aircraft during climb-out. The left side mostly shows flat Chicago suburbs and farmland.
Landing at BOS
RIGHTWith prevailing southwest winds, BOS arrivals typically approach from the north down runway 4R/4L, descending over Boston Harbor. This puts the downtown Boston skyline and Financial District on the right side, while the left side faces open harbor water and the outer islands.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Boston. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Chicago's skyline and lakefront during takeoff, and Boston Harbor plus the downtown skyline during the northerly approach into Logan. The left side offers mostly flat farmland and open harbor water with fewer distinctive landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Eastbound departures from ORD pass just north of downtown Chicago, putting the skyline and the southern curve of Lake Michigan on the right side of the aircraft during climb-out. The left side mostly shows flat Chicago suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Navy Pier), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway/south suburbs grid.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. With prevailing southwest winds, BOS arrivals typically approach from the north down runway 4R/4L, descending over Boston Harbor. This puts the downtown Boston skyline and Financial District on the right side, while the left side faces open harbor water and the outer islands. Notable sights include: Downtown Boston skyline (Prudential Tower, John Hancock Tower), Boston Harbor Islands, Logan Airport's harbor-side runways, Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Boston?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes 2h 20m.
What does the Chicago to Boston flight path pass over?
The route crosses southern Michigan, clips the eastern end of Lake Erie near Erie, Pennsylvania, then continues over the rolling Appalachian foothills of western New York and the Mohawk Valley before descending into New England.