While the left side offers good takeoff views of Lake Michigan and Chicago, the right side provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and the landing approach. The right side captures the transition from the Illinois plains through the Mississippi River valley and into the dramatic Palouse Hills terrain near Spokane.
Flown ORD to GEG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Spokane is 1,494 miles (2,404 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
Mississippi River valley (visible around Iowa/Illinois border), transition from flat Corn Belt to rolling terrain in eastern Iowa and Minnesota, Minnesota River valley, Missouri River valley in South Dakota, Black Hills distant profile (far northern horizon in South Dakota), transition into the Columbia Plateau terrain as you approach eastern Washington
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTLeft side offers views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, with the Chicago skyline visible to the south. The aircraft climbs northwest out of ORD, so the left side captures the lakefront and urban grid before heading inland.
Landing at GEG
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Spokane River valley and the surrounding Palouse Hills as the aircraft descends from the east. Spokane International sits east of the city, so right-side seats capture the approach over the rolling terrain and the river corridor that defines the landscape.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Spokane International (GEG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Spokane. While the left side offers good takeoff views of Lake Michigan and Chicago, the right side provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and the landing approach. The right side captures the transition from the Illinois plains through the Mississippi River valley and into the dramatic Palouse Hills terrain near Spokane.
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. Left side offers views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, with the Chicago skyline visible to the south. The aircraft climbs northwest out of ORD, so the left side captures the lakefront and urban grid before heading inland. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern shore), Chicago downtown skyline, Des Plaines River valley, Illinois plains extending westward.
What can I see when landing at Spokane International in Spokane?
When landing at Spokane International (GEG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Spokane River valley and the surrounding Palouse Hills as the aircraft descends from the east. Spokane International sits east of the city, so right-side seats capture the approach over the rolling terrain and the river corridor that defines the landscape. Notable sights include: Spokane River valley, Palouse Hills (rolling wheat country), Spokane city grid, Gonzaga University campus area.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Spokane?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Spokane International (GEG) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,494 miles (2,404 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Spokane flight path pass over?
Mississippi River valley (visible around Iowa/Illinois border), transition from flat Corn Belt to rolling terrain in eastern Iowa and Minnesota, Minnesota River valley, Missouri River valley in South Dakota, Black Hills distant profile (far northern horizon in South Dakota), transition into the Columbia Plateau terrain as you approach eastern Washington