Both sides score equally low (1.5) because this is a short 45-minute flight over predominantly flat to gently rolling Midwest and Bluegrass terrain with no mountains, coastlines, or dramatic features. The left side edges ahead marginally due to Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during takeoff, which provides the single most visually distinctive moment of the entire flight. The landing scenery on both sides is equally modest.
Flown ORD to LEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Lexington is 324 miles (521 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Ohio and northern Kentucky, passing over the Cincinnati metropolitan area's eastern suburbs and the rolling Bluegrass plateau. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible from altitude as a linear depression), scattered lakes and reservoirs in central Ohio, and the transition from flat Midwest terrain to the gently rolling topography of the Bluegrass region. No mountains or dramatic terrain features are visible along this route.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTLeft side (north) offers brief views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and Chicago's downtown skyline during initial climb before the aircraft turns southeast toward Kentucky. Right side (south) faces inland suburbs with minimal visual interest.
Landing at LEX
RIGHTRight side (south) provides views of the Bluegrass region's rolling terrain and pastoral landscape during descent into Lexington. Left side (north) faces similar rolling farmland with less distinctive character. Both sides offer modest scenery typical of central Kentucky.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Blue Grass Airport (LEX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Lexington. Both sides score equally low (1.5) because this is a short 45-minute flight over predominantly flat to gently rolling Midwest and Bluegrass terrain with no mountains, coastlines, or dramatic features. The left side edges ahead marginally due to Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during takeoff, which provides the single most visually distinctive moment of the entire flight. The landing scenery on both sides is equally modest.
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 (north) offers brief views of Lake Michigan's shoreline and Chicago's downtown skyline during initial climb before the aircraft turns southeast toward Kentucky. Right side (south) faces inland suburbs with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline, suburban sprawl south of ORD.
What can I see when landing at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington?
When landing at Blue Grass Airport (LEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (south) provides views of the Bluegrass region's rolling terrain and pastoral landscape during descent into Lexington. Left side (north) faces similar rolling farmland with less distinctive character. Both sides offer modest scenery typical of central Kentucky. Notable sights include: Rolling Bluegrass hills, pastoral farmland with horse farms, Lexington urban area, Kentucky River valley.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Lexington?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Blue Grass Airport (LEX) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 324 miles (521 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Lexington flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Ohio and northern Kentucky, passing over the Cincinnati metropolitan area's eastern suburbs and the rolling Bluegrass plateau. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible from altitude as a linear depression), scattered lakes and reservoirs in central Ohio, and the transition from flat Midwest terrain to the gently rolling topography of the Bluegrass region. No mountains or dramatic terrain features are visible along this route.