The left side combines a strong departure view of Chicago and Lake Michigan with a scenic arrival view of the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes, giving it the edge over the right side's largely flat Midwest and Texas plains scenery.
Flown ORD to MEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Mexico City is 1,689 miles (2,719 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
Great Plains of Kansas and Oklahoma, Texas Hill Country, and the Sierra Madre Oriental foothills as the route crosses into Mexico before descending into the Valley of Mexico
Great circle distance and headings ›
_(cropped).jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTDepartures from ORD heading south put Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, the lakefront) on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb, before the route continues south over the Illinois farmland.
Landing at MEX
LEFTOn approach into MEX from the north, the final turn sequence brings the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl into view on the left side of the aircraft, framing the Valley of Mexico before touchdown.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Mexico City. The left side combines a strong departure view of Chicago and Lake Michigan with a scenic arrival view of the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes, giving it the edge over the right side's largely flat Midwest and Texas plains scenery.
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. Departures from ORD heading south put Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, the lakefront) on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb, before the route continues south over the Illinois farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago skyline and Willis Tower, Chicago lakefront.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
When landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MEX from the north, the final turn sequence brings the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl into view on the left side of the aircraft, framing the Valley of Mexico before touchdown. Notable sights include: Popocatepetl volcano, Iztaccihuatl volcano, Valley of Mexico basin, Mexico City sprawl.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Mexico City?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,689 miles (2,719 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Mexico City flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Kansas and Oklahoma, Texas Hill Country, and the Sierra Madre Oriental foothills as the route crosses into Mexico before descending into the Valley of Mexico