The right side delivers two strong urban skyline moments — Chicago at takeoff and Manhattan at landing — both rare, high-value views that the left side's flat farmland and Jamaica Bay simply can't match.
Flight Path
The flight path passes very close to Cleveland and the southern shore of Lake Erie, then crosses the ridge-and-valley terrain of the Allegheny Plateau and Pocono foothills in Pennsylvania before descending into the New York metro area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTClimbing out to the east from O'Hare, the great-circle path toward JFK swings just south of due east, putting downtown Chicago and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side only shows flat suburban sprawl and farmland stretching toward Indiana.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTJFK's arrivals from the west are typically vectored north and then turned south to land on runway 22L/22R, and that final southwest-heading turn places Manhattan and the East River directly off the right side of the plane. The left side instead faces Jamaica Bay and the flat Rockaway peninsula.
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 John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to New York. The right side delivers two strong urban skyline moments — Chicago at takeoff and Manhattan at landing — both rare, high-value views that the left side's flat farmland and Jamaica Bay simply can't match.
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. Climbing out to the east from O'Hare, the great-circle path toward JFK swings just south of due east, putting downtown Chicago and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side only shows flat suburban sprawl and farmland stretching toward Indiana. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock Center), Navy Pier, Lake Michigan shoreline.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. JFK's arrivals from the west are typically vectored north and then turned south to land on runway 22L/22R, and that final southwest-heading turn places Manhattan and the East River directly off the right side of the plane. The left side instead faces Jamaica Bay and the flat Rockaway peninsula. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, One World Trade Center), East River, Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island Sound.
How long is the flight from Chicago to New York?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 2h 20m.
What does the Chicago to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path passes very close to Cleveland and the southern shore of Lake Erie, then crosses the ridge-and-valley terrain of the Allegheny Plateau and Pocono foothills in Pennsylvania before descending into the New York metro area.