The left seat delivers the dramatic Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan departure, which is one of the most iconic urban aerial views in the US. The landing view on the right is compelling but the takeoff experience tips the balance for left-side passengers on this route.
Flown ORD to LFT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Lafayette is 845 miles (1,359 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks southwest over central Illinois farmland — a flat, geometric grid of corn and soybean fields. Crossing the Mississippi River near St. Louis is a notable landmark, with the Gateway Arch visible on clear days. The route then crosses Missouri's Ozark foothills before descending into the flat Mississippi Alluvial Plain and Louisiana's coastal wetlands near the end.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD's primary departure runways (9L/9R heading east, or 10L/10R) put the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on the left side as the aircraft climbs and turns south. You get a clear view of the downtown Loop, Grant Park, and the lakefront stretching north and south.
Landing at LFT
RIGHTLFT's primary runway is 11/29. On approach from the north, aircraft typically land on runway 11 (heading southeast), putting the Atchafalaya Basin and its vast swamp and bayou network on the right side. The patchwork of open water, marsh, and levees is visually striking and unique to this region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Lafayette Rgnl (LFT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Lafayette. The left seat delivers the dramatic Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan departure, which is one of the most iconic urban aerial views in the US. The landing view on the right is compelling but the takeoff experience tips the balance for left-side passengers on this route.
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 primary departure runways (9L/9R heading east, or 10L/10R) put the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on the left side as the aircraft climbs and turns south. You get a clear view of the downtown Loop, Grant Park, and the lakefront stretching north and south. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park/Museum Campus, Midway Airport to the south.
What can I see when landing at Lafayette Rgnl in Lafayette?
When landing at Lafayette Rgnl (LFT), sit on the Right side for the best views. LFT's primary runway is 11/29. On approach from the north, aircraft typically land on runway 11 (heading southeast), putting the Atchafalaya Basin and its vast swamp and bayou network on the right side. The patchwork of open water, marsh, and levees is visually striking and unique to this region. Notable sights include: Atchafalaya Basin swamplands, Vermilion Bay in the distance, Interstate 10 corridor through Lafayette, Bayou Teche wetlands.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Lafayette?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Lafayette Rgnl (LFT) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 845 miles (1,359 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Lafayette flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over central Illinois farmland — a flat, geometric grid of corn and soybean fields. Crossing the Mississippi River near St. Louis is a notable landmark, with the Gateway Arch visible on clear days. The route then crosses Missouri's Ozark foothills before descending into the flat Mississippi Alluvial Plain and Louisiana's coastal wetlands near the end.