The left side offers the strongest combination of scenery across the whole flight: Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at takeoff, glimpses of the Appalachian foothills near the Tennessee-Georgia border during cruise, and the Fort Lauderdale coastline with Port Everglades on final approach. The right side stays over flat, unremarkable farmland and Everglades terrain for nearly the entire flight.
Flight Path
Tennessee River valley and Appalachian foothills near Chattanooga, Atlanta's northern suburbs, and the vast expanse of Lake Okeechobee visible in central Florida before the descent into Fort Lauderdale.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTDepartures from O'Hare typically climb out and bank south toward the FLL routing, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the left side of the aircraft. The right side only shows flat western suburbs and farmland.
Landing at FLL
LEFTOn final approach into FLL, most arrivals descend from the northwest before turning to align with runway 10 heading east, keeping the Fort Lauderdale coastline, Intracoastal Waterway, and Port Everglades in view on the left side. The right side mainly shows Everglades marshland and inland suburbs during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. The left side offers the strongest combination of scenery across the whole flight: Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at takeoff, glimpses of the Appalachian foothills near the Tennessee-Georgia border during cruise, and the Fort Lauderdale coastline with Port Everglades on final approach. The right side stays over flat, unremarkable farmland and Everglades terrain for nearly the entire flight.
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. Departures from O'Hare typically climb out and bank south toward the FLL routing, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the left side of the aircraft. The right side only shows flat western suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, O'Hare's runway complex receding below.
What can I see when landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
When landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On final approach into FLL, most arrivals descend from the northwest before turning to align with runway 10 heading east, keeping the Fort Lauderdale coastline, Intracoastal Waterway, and Port Everglades in view on the left side. The right side mainly shows Everglades marshland and inland suburbs during descent. Notable sights include: Fort Lauderdale beach and Intracoastal Waterway, Port Everglades cruise terminals, Atlantic Ocean coastline, canal-laced Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) takes 2h 55m.
What does the Chicago to Fort Lauderdale flight path pass over?
Tennessee River valley and Appalachian foothills near Chattanooga, Atlanta's northern suburbs, and the vast expanse of Lake Okeechobee visible in central Florida before the descent into Fort Lauderdale.