Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Colombus. The left side captures the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on departure, which is the most visually dramatic moment of this flight. The rest of the route over central Illinois and western Indiana is flat agricultural land with little to distinguish either side, but the departure view from the left is the clear highlight of the trip.

During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. O'Hare's most common departures head southeast or south on runways 10R/10L or 28L/28R. A southbound or southeastbound departure on the left side gives you a clear view over downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline. The Willis Tower and the lakefront are unmistakable from this angle during climb-out. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River corridor, Grant Park and Museum Campus.

When landing at Columbus Afb (CBM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Columbus AFB sits just west of Columbus, Mississippi, and aircraft typically approach from the north or northwest on runway 13 or similar headings. A right-side seat on final approach gives views over the Tombigbee River valley and the town of Columbus itself, which is more visually interesting than the flat agricultural fields to the west. Notable sights include: Tombigbee River, Columbus city grid, Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, agricultural patchwork of northeast Mississippi.

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Columbus Afb (CBM) takes Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

The flight tracks roughly south-southeast over flat central Illinois farmland, crossing the Illinois River near Peoria, then into western Indiana before descending over the flat agricultural plains of western Kentucky and northeast Mississippi. The Wabash River forms the Illinois-Indiana border and is visible as a notable watercourse. The Ohio River may be visible briefly near the Kentucky border. No significant terrain changes — this is predominantly flat Midwest and Upper South agricultural landscape throughout.