Chicago to Chattanooga flight pathORDCHA

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time1h 35m
Distance501
Heading162° → 164°
Best side
Left
★ 2.5 left·★ 2.0 right

The left side offers a stronger start with Lake Michigan's shoreline and a scenic finish with the Appalachian foothills and Tennessee River near Chattanooga, while the right side remains largely flat and featureless throughout.

Flown ORD to CHA? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Chicago to Chattanooga is 501 miles (807 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.

Flat agricultural plains of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, transitioning to gently rolling terrain of central Tennessee before the Cumberland Plateau near Chattanooga

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Chicago (left side) — Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago southern suburbs, grid-pattern farmland

Takeoff from ORD

LEFT

Departing ORD to the south-southeast, the left side gives a brief glimpse of Chicago's southern suburbs and Lake Michigan's shoreline before the aircraft turns inland over flat Illinois farmland. The right side only shows featureless plains.

Lake Michigan shorelineChicago southern suburbsgrid-pattern farmland
ORD Chicago Ohare InternationalHub for United Airlines, American Airlines

Landing at CHA

LEFT

On approach into Chattanooga, the terrain shifts from flat plains to the rolling Appalachian foothills and the Cumberland Plateau. Lookout Mountain and the winding Tennessee River are visible on the left side as the aircraft descends toward Lovell Field.

Lookout MountainTennessee River bendsCumberland Plateau foothillsChattanooga skyline
CHA Lovell FldChattanooga, United States

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Lovell Fld (CHA)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Chattanooga. The left side offers a stronger start with Lake Michigan's shoreline and a scenic finish with the Appalachian foothills and Tennessee River near Chattanooga, while the right side remains largely flat and featureless throughout.

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. Departing ORD to the south-southeast, the left side gives a brief glimpse of Chicago's southern suburbs and Lake Michigan's shoreline before the aircraft turns inland over flat Illinois farmland. The right side only shows featureless plains. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago southern suburbs, grid-pattern farmland.

What can I see when landing at Lovell Fld in Chattanooga?

When landing at Lovell Fld (CHA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Chattanooga, the terrain shifts from flat plains to the rolling Appalachian foothills and the Cumberland Plateau. Lookout Mountain and the winding Tennessee River are visible on the left side as the aircraft descends toward Lovell Field. Notable sights include: Lookout Mountain, Tennessee River bends, Cumberland Plateau foothills, Chattanooga skyline.

How long is the flight from Chicago to Chattanooga?

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Lovell Fld (CHA) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 501 miles (807 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Chicago to Chattanooga flight path pass over?

Flat agricultural plains of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, transitioning to gently rolling terrain of central Tennessee before the Cumberland Plateau near Chattanooga