The right side wins overall because the Chicago departure view — with the lakefront and downtown skyline visible during climb — is the most visually dramatic moment of this short flight. The landing approach on the left is worthwhile but Dayton's skyline is modest. Right side gives you the better of the two signature views.
Flown ORD to DAY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Dayton is 240 miles (386 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight crosses flat Indiana farmland — the Kankakee River valley near the Illinois-Indiana border, then the broad agricultural plains of central Indiana around Lafayette and Crawfordsville. The terrain is uniformly flat with a patchwork of corn and soybean fields. The Wabash River is visible as a meandering line crossing the route near the Indiana-Ohio border area. No significant elevation changes throughout.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD, aircraft typically use east or southeast runway headings toward Dayton. The right side gives you a clear view south over the Chicago suburbs and the southern lakefront. You can pick out the downtown Chicago skyline to the southeast as the aircraft climbs and banks right toward its course.
Landing at DAY
LEFTDayton International typically uses runways oriented roughly north-south, with arrivals commonly from the north. On a left seat approaching from the north-northwest, you get a view over downtown Dayton and the Great Miami River valley as the aircraft descends. The Mad River and Great Miami River confluence near downtown is clearly visible.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to James M Cox Dayton International (DAY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Dayton. The right side wins overall because the Chicago departure view — with the lakefront and downtown skyline visible during climb — is the most visually dramatic moment of this short flight. The landing approach on the left is worthwhile but Dayton's skyline is modest. Right side gives you the better of the two signature views.
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. Departing ORD, aircraft typically use east or southeast runway headings toward Dayton. The right side gives you a clear view south over the Chicago suburbs and the southern lakefront. You can pick out the downtown Chicago skyline to the southeast as the aircraft climbs and banks right toward its course. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline to the southeast, Lake Michigan southern shoreline, Chicago Southside urban grid, O'Hare suburban sprawl of Schaumburg and Elk Grove Village.
What can I see when landing at James M Cox Dayton International in Dayton?
When landing at James M Cox Dayton International (DAY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dayton International typically uses runways oriented roughly north-south, with arrivals commonly from the north. On a left seat approaching from the north-northwest, you get a view over downtown Dayton and the Great Miami River valley as the aircraft descends. The Mad River and Great Miami River confluence near downtown is clearly visible. Notable sights include: Downtown Dayton skyline, Great Miami River, Mad River confluence, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to the east.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Dayton?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to James M Cox Dayton International (DAY) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 240 miles (386 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Dayton flight path pass over?
The flight crosses flat Indiana farmland — the Kankakee River valley near the Illinois-Indiana border, then the broad agricultural plains of central Indiana around Lafayette and Crawfordsville. The terrain is uniformly flat with a patchwork of corn and soybean fields. The Wabash River is visible as a meandering line crossing the route near the Indiana-Ohio border area. No significant elevation changes throughout.