While takeoff offers Chicago's iconic skyline, the landing approach into David provides more dramatic and varied scenery—tropical mountains, river valleys, and the transition from highlands to coastal plains. Right-side seats capture this descent sequence effectively.
Flown ORD to DAV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to David is 2,345 miles (3,773 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico (approximately 2 hours into flight), with the Yucatan Peninsula visible on the left during the southern crossing. Further south, the flight passes over the Caribbean Sea and approaches Central America, with the Mosquito Coast and Nicaraguan lowlands visible on the left side. The final approach crosses over Costa Rican and Panamanian terrain, with the continental divide and Caribbean slope becoming prominent as the aircraft descends toward David.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of ORD. You'll see the downtown core, the lakefront, and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan stretching to the horizon.
Landing at DAV
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Panamanian landscape during descent into David. You'll see the Chiriquí Highlands, the Río Chiriquí valley, and the transition from mountainous terrain to the coastal plains where David sits.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Enrique Malek International (DAV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to David. While takeoff offers Chicago's iconic skyline, the landing approach into David provides more dramatic and varied scenery—tropical mountains, river valleys, and the transition from highlands to coastal plains. Right-side seats capture this descent sequence effectively.
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. Left-side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of ORD. You'll see the downtown core, the lakefront, and the vast expanse of Lake Michigan stretching to the horizon. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan, Chicago's North Shore residential areas, Des Plaines River valley.
What can I see when landing at Enrique Malek International in David?
When landing at Enrique Malek International (DAV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Panamanian landscape during descent into David. You'll see the Chiriquí Highlands, the Río Chiriquí valley, and the transition from mountainous terrain to the coastal plains where David sits. Notable sights include: Chiriquí Highlands (western Panama mountain range), Río Chiriquí valley, David city and surrounding agricultural plains, Caribbean coastal lowlands to the north.
How long is the flight from Chicago to David?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Enrique Malek International (DAV) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,345 miles (3,773 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to David flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico (approximately 2 hours into flight), with the Yucatan Peninsula visible on the left during the southern crossing. Further south, the flight passes over the Caribbean Sea and approaches Central America, with the Mosquito Coast and Nicaraguan lowlands visible on the left side. The final approach crosses over Costa Rican and Panamanian terrain, with the continental divide and Caribbean slope becoming prominent as the aircraft descends toward David.