The left side captures the two most visually distinct moments of the flight: Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline at departure, and the Houston skyline near Buffalo Bayou on arrival. The right side, facing inland plains for most of the route, offers comparatively featureless farmland.
Flight Path
The route crosses the flat agricultural plains of Illinois and Missouri, then the Mississippi River near the Arkansas border, followed by the pine forests and bayous of Louisiana and East Texas before descending into the Houston area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD departures heading toward the south typically bank away from downtown Chicago, putting Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline briefly into view on the left side during the initial climb and turn. The right side over the western suburbs offers only flat grid-pattern subdivisions.
Landing at IAH
LEFTOn approach into IAH from the north, the final descent path passes just east of downtown Houston, giving left-side passengers a clear look at the city's skyline and the sprawling bayou network before touchdown. The right side mostly shows flat pastureland and the airport's parallel runway system.
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 George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Houston. The left side captures the two most visually distinct moments of the flight: Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline at departure, and the Houston skyline near Buffalo Bayou on arrival. The right side, facing inland plains for most of the route, offers comparatively featureless farmland.
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. ORD departures heading toward the south typically bank away from downtown Chicago, putting Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline briefly into view on the left side during the initial climb and turn. The right side over the western suburbs offers only flat grid-pattern subdivisions. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), O'Hare's runway complex receding below.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into IAH from the north, the final descent path passes just east of downtown Houston, giving left-side passengers a clear look at the city's skyline and the sprawling bayou network before touchdown. The right side mostly shows flat pastureland and the airport's parallel runway system. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, sprawling northern Houston suburbs, IAH's parallel runway grid.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Houston?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes 2h 50m.
What does the Chicago to Houston flight path pass over?
The route crosses the flat agricultural plains of Illinois and Missouri, then the Mississippi River near the Arkansas border, followed by the pine forests and bayous of Louisiana and East Texas before descending into the Houston area.