The right side wins both ends of the flight — Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at departure, then Manhattan and New York Harbor at arrival — while the cruise phase over Ohio and Pennsylvania farmland is scenically neutral for both sides.
Flight Path
Flat farmland of northern Indiana and Ohio, the low ridges of the Allegheny Plateau in western Pennsylvania, and the Delaware River valley near the New Jersey border
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDepartures off ORD's westward runways typically bank south and east toward the New York corridor, putting the Chicago skyline and the curve of Lake Michigan's shoreline on the right side during the climb. The left side only shows flat western suburbs and farmland.
Landing at EWR
RIGHTArrivals into EWR from the west commonly align with the northeast-facing runways, bringing Manhattan's skyline and Upper New York Bay into view on the right side during final descent. The left side mostly faces New Jersey suburbs and industrial flatland.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Newark. The right side wins both ends of the flight — Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at departure, then Manhattan and New York Harbor at arrival — while the cruise phase over Ohio and Pennsylvania farmland is scenically neutral for both sides.
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. Departures off ORD's westward runways typically bank south and east toward the New York corridor, putting the Chicago skyline and the curve of Lake Michigan's shoreline on the right side during the climb. The left side only shows flat western suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's runway grid receding below.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into EWR from the west commonly align with the northeast-facing runways, bringing Manhattan's skyline and Upper New York Bay into view on the right side during final descent. The left side mostly faces New Jersey suburbs and industrial flatland. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Upper New York Bay, Statue of Liberty.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Newark?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes 2h 10m.
What does the Chicago to Newark flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of northern Indiana and Ohio, the low ridges of the Allegheny Plateau in western Pennsylvania, and the Delaware River valley near the New Jersey border