The right side bookends the flight with two recognizable skylines — Chicago at takeoff and Manhattan at landing — plus a glimpse of Lake Michigan and Long Island Sound, giving it more visual variety and landmark density than the left side's view of the Appalachian Plateau and Lake Erie's edge.
Flown ORD to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to New York is 731 miles (1,177 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Allegheny Plateau ridgelines of northern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Cleveland, and the rolling hills of the Pocono/Catskill foothills as the route approaches New York
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTEastbound departures out of O'Hare climb out just north of downtown Chicago, putting the Loop skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side of the cabin. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the Willis Tower and the lakefront before the plane turns east over Indiana.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTArrivals into LaGuardia from the west commonly swing south over Long Island Sound before turning onto final, giving a clear look at the Manhattan skyline and the East River bridges on the right side of the aircraft. This final skyline reveal is the most dramatic moment of the whole flight.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to New York. The right side bookends the flight with two recognizable skylines — Chicago at takeoff and Manhattan at landing — plus a glimpse of Lake Michigan and Long Island Sound, giving it more visual variety and landmark density than the left side's view of the Appalachian Plateau and Lake Erie's edge.
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. Eastbound departures out of O'Hare climb out just north of downtown Chicago, putting the Loop skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side of the cabin. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the Willis Tower and the lakefront before the plane turns east over Indiana. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline (Willis Tower), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Grant Park lakefront.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into LaGuardia from the west commonly swing south over Long Island Sound before turning onto final, giving a clear look at the Manhattan skyline and the East River bridges on the right side of the aircraft. This final skyline reveal is the most dramatic moment of the whole flight. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Whitestone Bridge, Rikers Island.
How long is the flight from Chicago to New York?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 731 miles (1,177 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to New York flight path pass over?
Allegheny Plateau ridgelines of northern Ohio and Pennsylvania, the southern shoreline of Lake Erie near Cleveland, and the rolling hills of the Pocono/Catskill foothills as the route approaches New York