The right side offers the better combination of a faint Lake Michigan glimpse at departure, occasional views north toward Minnesota's lake country and North Dakota's Badlands during cruise, and a dramatic final approach with the Swan Range and Glacier National Park's foothills framing the Flathead Valley.
Flown ORD to FCA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Kalispell is 1,349 miles (2,171 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Mississippi River crossing near the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, Minnesota's lake-dotted farmland, the Missouri River in North Dakota, and the eroded buttes of the North Dakota Badlands near Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the north of the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDepartures from ORD favor westbound runways, and since FCA sits almost due west-northwest of Chicago, the climb-out requires only a slight turn. On the right side, passengers get a fleeting glimpse of Lake Michigan's shoreline behind the aircraft before the view shifts to the grid of Chicago's northwest suburbs and farmland.
Landing at FCA
RIGHTOn approach into FCA, the Flathead Valley narrows between mountain ranges, and the Swan Range along with the southern foothills of Glacier National Park rise on the eastern side of the valley. Landing typically brings the aircraft up the valley with these taller, more jagged peaks visible on the right, contrasting with the gentler Mission Range on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Kalispell. The right side offers the better combination of a faint Lake Michigan glimpse at departure, occasional views north toward Minnesota's lake country and North Dakota's Badlands during cruise, and a dramatic final approach with the Swan Range and Glacier National Park's foothills framing the Flathead Valley.
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 from ORD favor westbound runways, and since FCA sits almost due west-northwest of Chicago, the climb-out requires only a slight turn. On the right side, passengers get a fleeting glimpse of Lake Michigan's shoreline behind the aircraft before the view shifts to the grid of Chicago's northwest suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline (distant), Chicago's northwest suburbs, Fox River valley farmland.
What can I see when landing at Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell?
When landing at Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into FCA, the Flathead Valley narrows between mountain ranges, and the Swan Range along with the southern foothills of Glacier National Park rise on the eastern side of the valley. Landing typically brings the aircraft up the valley with these taller, more jagged peaks visible on the right, contrasting with the gentler Mission Range on the left. Notable sights include: Swan Range peaks, Glacier National Park foothills, Flathead Valley farmland, Hungry Horse Reservoir area.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Kalispell?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,349 miles (2,171 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Kalispell flight path pass over?
Mississippi River crossing near the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, Minnesota's lake-dotted farmland, the Missouri River in North Dakota, and the eroded buttes of the North Dakota Badlands near Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the north of the flight path