Left side wins both ends of the flight — Chicago's skyline and lakefront on departure, and Charleston Harbor with the historic peninsula on approach. The mid-flight view over Indiana, Kentucky, and the Carolinas is relatively flat and forested on both sides, so the endpoint views are the deciding factor.
Flown ORD to CHS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Charleston is 761 miles (1,224 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast over northern Indiana farmland, then crosses Louisville and the Ohio River valley in Kentucky, continues over the rolling terrain of the Tennessee Valley, crosses the Appalachian foothills of western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, then descends over the South Carolina coastal plain toward Charleston. No dramatic mountain crossings — the route stays west of the main Blue Ridge spine.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTO'Hare's primary departure runways (9L/9R heading east, or 10L/10R) send aircraft climbing over the northwest Chicago suburbs. Left side gives you a clear view south toward the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline as you gain altitude. The downtown Loop and lakefront are unmistakable from 5,000-15,000 feet.
Landing at CHS
LEFTCHS primarily uses runways 15/33 or 03/21. On approach from the north, the left side faces east toward the Charleston Harbor, the Atlantic coast barrier islands, and the historic Charleston Peninsula where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet. This is the most visually distinctive geography of the entire approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Charleston Afb International (CHS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Charleston. Left side wins both ends of the flight — Chicago's skyline and lakefront on departure, and Charleston Harbor with the historic peninsula on approach. The mid-flight view over Indiana, Kentucky, and the Carolinas is relatively flat and forested on both sides, so the endpoint views are the deciding factor.
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. O'Hare's primary departure runways (9L/9R heading east, or 10L/10R) send aircraft climbing over the northwest Chicago suburbs. Left side gives you a clear view south toward the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline as you gain altitude. The downtown Loop and lakefront are unmistakable from 5,000-15,000 feet. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway Airport to the south, Chicago River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Charleston Afb International in Charleston?
When landing at Charleston Afb International (CHS), sit on the Left side for the best views. CHS primarily uses runways 15/33 or 03/21. On approach from the north, the left side faces east toward the Charleston Harbor, the Atlantic coast barrier islands, and the historic Charleston Peninsula where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet. This is the most visually distinctive geography of the entire approach. Notable sights include: Charleston Harbor, Charleston Peninsula (historic downtown), Ashley River and Cooper River confluence, barrier islands and Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Charleston?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Charleston Afb International (CHS) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 761 miles (1,224 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Charleston flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over northern Indiana farmland, then crosses Louisville and the Ohio River valley in Kentucky, continues over the rolling terrain of the Tennessee Valley, crosses the Appalachian foothills of western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina, then descends over the South Carolina coastal plain toward Charleston. No dramatic mountain crossings — the route stays west of the main Blue Ridge spine.