About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Los Angeles. While the left side has a slight edge at takeoff for the Chicago skyline, the right side wins overall. During cruise the right side tracks the southern edge of the Rockies with views of the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert terrain, and then delivers the spectacular Santa Monica Bay and Pacific coastline on approach into LAX.
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 typically departs westbound on runways 10L/10C/10R or eastbound on 28L/28C/28R. On westbound departures heading toward LAX, a left-side seat gives you a clear view south over downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline as the aircraft banks right. Even on eastbound departures with a right-hand turn, the left side picks up the lakefront and city grid as you swing southwest. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River grid, suburban sprawl of DuPage County.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX approaches typically come in from the east on runways 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft tracks westbound over the Los Angeles Basin. The right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, and the Pacific Ocean on final approach, plus views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the LA Basin sprawl during descent. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay and Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles Basin urban grid, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Chicago to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Mississippi River over Iowa, then the flat Great Plains of Nebraska and Kansas give way to the Colorado Rockies visible to the north. The route then crosses the Four Corners region with the Colorado Plateau's canyon country, followed by the Mojave Desert's basin-and-range terrain across Nevada and into California before descending over the San Gabriel Mountains and the LA Basin.