The right side wins because the flight path down the Florida peninsula and into the Keys reveals the Gulf coast's barrier islands, Tampa Bay area, the Everglades' wetlands, and finally the vivid turquoise waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf side of the Keys — all far more visually striking than the featureless inland terrain seen from the left.
Flown ORD to EYW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Key West is 1,254 miles (2,018 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Tennessee River valley, Appalachian foothills of north Georgia, and the transition into Florida's flat pine forests and wetlands near the Suwannee River
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD to the south, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Chicago's western suburbs and Lake Michigan's shoreline curling away to the northeast, while the left side just shows flat Illinois farmland. Neither is dramatic, but the right side has slightly more visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at EYW
RIGHTOn approach into EYW, the right (west) side typically overlooks the Gulf of Mexico side of the Florida Keys, where the water shifts through brilliant turquoise and deep blue shades over the shallow banks. This side also catches the tail end of the Everglades and Florida Bay's mangrove islands before the final turn to land.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Key West International (EYW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Key West. The right side wins because the flight path down the Florida peninsula and into the Keys reveals the Gulf coast's barrier islands, Tampa Bay area, the Everglades' wetlands, and finally the vivid turquoise waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf side of the Keys — all far more visually striking than the featureless inland terrain seen from the left.
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 to the south, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Chicago's western suburbs and Lake Michigan's shoreline curling away to the northeast, while the left side just shows flat Illinois farmland. Neither is dramatic, but the right side has slightly more visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago western suburbs, grid-pattern farmland.
What can I see when landing at Key West International in Key West?
When landing at Key West International (EYW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into EYW, the right (west) side typically overlooks the Gulf of Mexico side of the Florida Keys, where the water shifts through brilliant turquoise and deep blue shades over the shallow banks. This side also catches the tail end of the Everglades and Florida Bay's mangrove islands before the final turn to land. Notable sights include: Florida Bay mangrove islands, Gulf of Mexico turquoise shallows, Lower Keys causeway chain, Key West harbor.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Key West?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Key West International (EYW) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,254 miles (2,018 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Key West flight path pass over?
Tennessee River valley, Appalachian foothills of north Georgia, and the transition into Florida's flat pine forests and wetlands near the Suwannee River