While the left seat wins at takeoff with the Chicago skyline, the right seat delivers the more sustained and dramatic scenery. Once the flight crosses into Mexico and begins tracking southwest over Chihuahua and Durango states, the right side faces east toward the increasingly rugged Sierra Madre Occidental for the final hour of flight, culminating in the spectacular mountain approach into Durango. The left side over the western desert is comparatively featureless for much of the route.
Flown ORD to DGO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Durango is 1,559 miles (2,508 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The flight tracks southwest over Illinois farmland, then crosses the Missouri Ozarks, continues over Oklahoma and Texas panhandle high plains, crosses the Rio Grande near Presidio-Ojinaga, then enters the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico. The Sierra Madre Occidental begins appearing on the right side roughly 90 minutes before landing, with the terrain rising dramatically from the Chihuahuan plateau into deep canyon country as the aircraft descends toward Durango.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTDeparting ORD, aircraft typically use runways oriented east-west or northwest-southeast. On a southwesterly departure toward Mexico, the left side faces southeast toward downtown Chicago, giving a clear view of the lakefront and the city skyline against Lake Michigan. The right side looks northwest into suburban sprawl with little of interest.
Landing at DGO
RIGHTDurango International sits in a valley on the western slope of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Aircraft typically approach from the north or northwest, meaning the right side faces east toward the dramatic Sierra Madre ridgelines and the deep barrancas cutting into the range. The left side looks west over flatter high desert terrain toward Sinaloa.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Durango International (DGO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Durango. While the left seat wins at takeoff with the Chicago skyline, the right seat delivers the more sustained and dramatic scenery. Once the flight crosses into Mexico and begins tracking southwest over Chihuahua and Durango states, the right side faces east toward the increasingly rugged Sierra Madre Occidental for the final hour of flight, culminating in the spectacular mountain approach into Durango. The left side over the western desert is comparatively featureless for much of the route.
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, aircraft typically use runways oriented east-west or northwest-southeast. On a southwesterly departure toward Mexico, the left side faces southeast toward downtown Chicago, giving a clear view of the lakefront and the city skyline against Lake Michigan. The right side looks northwest into suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Chicago River grid pattern.
What can I see when landing at Durango International in Durango?
When landing at Durango International (DGO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Durango International sits in a valley on the western slope of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Aircraft typically approach from the north or northwest, meaning the right side faces east toward the dramatic Sierra Madre ridgelines and the deep barrancas cutting into the range. The left side looks west over flatter high desert terrain toward Sinaloa. Notable sights include: Sierra Madre Occidental ridgelines, Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) system to the northwest, Rio Tunal valley below, city of Durango urban grid.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Durango?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Durango International (DGO) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,559 miles (2,508 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Durango flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over Illinois farmland, then crosses the Missouri Ozarks, continues over Oklahoma and Texas panhandle high plains, crosses the Rio Grande near Presidio-Ojinaga, then enters the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico. The Sierra Madre Occidental begins appearing on the right side roughly 90 minutes before landing, with the terrain rising dramatically from the Chihuahuan plateau into deep canyon country as the aircraft descends toward Durango.