The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Lake Michigan during departure and the Appalachian foothills and river valleys during the long cruise southward. The left side offers good landing views but less compelling en-route scenery.
Flown ORD to CAE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Colombia is 667 miles (1,073 km), a flight of about 2 hours.
The flight path crosses the Ohio River valley (visible around the 1.5-hour mark), the Appalachian ridges and valleys of eastern Kentucky and West Virginia, and transitions into the piedmont terrain of the Carolinas. The New River Gorge and Bluefield area provide distinctive ridge-and-valley topography. As you approach South Carolina, the terrain flattens into the coastal plain with visible river systems including the Catawba and Wateree rivers.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs eastward over the lake before turning south. You'll see the Chicago shoreline and downtown skyline receding, plus the vast expanse of open water stretching to the horizon.
Landing at CAE
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views during the descent approach into Columbia. You'll see the Congaree River valley, the city itself laid out below, and the transition from piedmont terrain to coastal plain geography characteristic of the midlands region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Columbia Metropolitan (CAE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Colombia. The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Lake Michigan during departure and the Appalachian foothills and river valleys during the long cruise southward. The left side offers good landing views but less compelling en-route scenery.
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. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs eastward over the lake before turning south. You'll see the Chicago shoreline and downtown skyline receding, plus the vast expanse of open water stretching to the horizon. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Indiana shoreline to the southeast, Calumet region industrial areas.
What can I see when landing at Columbia Metropolitan in Colombia?
When landing at Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views during the descent approach into Columbia. You'll see the Congaree River valley, the city itself laid out below, and the transition from piedmont terrain to coastal plain geography characteristic of the midlands region. Notable sights include: Congaree River and floodplain, Columbia city grid, Lake Murray (if approach allows), piedmont-coastal plain transition.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Colombia?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) takes about 2 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 667 miles (1,073 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Colombia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Ohio River valley (visible around the 1.5-hour mark), the Appalachian ridges and valleys of eastern Kentucky and West Virginia, and transitions into the piedmont terrain of the Carolinas. The New River Gorge and Bluefield area provide distinctive ridge-and-valley topography. As you approach South Carolina, the terrain flattens into the coastal plain with visible river systems including the Catawba and Wateree rivers.