The right side wins overall. While the left side has the excellent Chicago departure view, the right side delivers the dramatic Las Vegas arrival with the Strip, Red Rock, and Spring Mountains. Across the mid-flight, the right side also tracks closer to the Colorado River corridor and the Grand Canyon's South Rim as the route passes over northern Arizona, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities, then traverses the flat Iowa and Nebraska plains before crossing the Rocky Mountain foothills over Colorado. Over Utah and northern Arizona, the Colorado Plateau's canyon country becomes visible — including the Canyonlands region and the Grand Canyon's North and South Rim areas. The Colorado River is traceable in several segments. The Mojave Desert begins as the route descends toward Las Vegas, with Lake Mead visible to the northeast of the city on approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD's most common westbound departures use runways 10L/10C heading west-southwest, then turning south. The left side gives you a clear view of downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline as you climb out and bank. The Willis Tower and the lakefront are unmistakable from this angle.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTLas Vegas arrivals from the northeast typically use runways 26L/26R or 19R, approaching from the east or northeast. The right side gives you the best view of the Las Vegas Strip lit up against the valley floor, with the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon escarpment visible to the west. The contrast between the neon grid and the surrounding Mojave desert is spectacular on approach.
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 Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Las Vegas. The right side wins overall. While the left side has the excellent Chicago departure view, the right side delivers the dramatic Las Vegas arrival with the Strip, Red Rock, and Spring Mountains. Across the mid-flight, the right side also tracks closer to the Colorado River corridor and the Grand Canyon's South Rim as the route passes over northern Arizona, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
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's most common westbound departures use runways 10L/10C heading west-southwest, then turning south. The left side gives you a clear view of downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline as you climb out and bank. The Willis Tower and the lakefront are unmistakable from this angle. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower prominent), Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Chicago River grid pattern.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Las Vegas arrivals from the northeast typically use runways 26L/26R or 19R, approaching from the east or northeast. The right side gives you the best view of the Las Vegas Strip lit up against the valley floor, with the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon escarpment visible to the west. The contrast between the neon grid and the surrounding Mojave desert is spectacular on approach. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip (concentrated casino towers), Spring Mountains and Charleston Peak to the west, Lake Mead reservoir to the northeast, Frenchman Mountain red rock formation.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Las Vegas?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Chicago to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities, then traverses the flat Iowa and Nebraska plains before crossing the Rocky Mountain foothills over Colorado. Over Utah and northern Arizona, the Colorado Plateau's canyon country becomes visible — including the Canyonlands region and the Grand Canyon's North and South Rim areas. The Colorado River is traceable in several segments. The Mojave Desert begins as the route descends toward Las Vegas, with Lake Mead visible to the northeast of the city on approach.