Chicago to New Orleans is 838 miles (1,349 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The right side offers modest but consistent advantages throughout the flight — glimpses of the Illinois and Mississippi River valleys during cruise, and a genuine lake and skyline view on approach into New Orleans, whereas the left side stays over featureless farmland and wetlands with no comparable landmarks.
Flight Path
Mississippi River valley near the Missouri-Arkansas border, Ozark foothills to the west, and the flat Mississippi Delta farmland further south
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDepartures from ORD heading south typically use the east-west runways with a turn to the south, putting the western Chicago suburbs and the flat farmland beyond on the right side. Neither side has dramatic terrain, but the right side offers a slightly better view of the Illinois River valley as the plane climbs out.
Landing at MSY
RIGHTArrivals into MSY on runway 11 typically approach from the northwest, crossing the southern edge of Lake Pontchartrain before turning toward the airport. This gives right-side passengers a clear view of the lake's open water and the New Orleans skyline in the distance.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to New Orleans. The right side offers modest but consistent advantages throughout the flight — glimpses of the Illinois and Mississippi River valleys during cruise, and a genuine lake and skyline view on approach into New Orleans, whereas the left side stays over featureless farmland and wetlands with no comparable landmarks.
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. Departures from ORD heading south typically use the east-west runways with a turn to the south, putting the western Chicago suburbs and the flat farmland beyond on the right side. Neither side has dramatic terrain, but the right side offers a slightly better view of the Illinois River valley as the plane climbs out. Notable sights include: Chicago western suburbs, DuPage County farmland, Illinois River valley.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into MSY on runway 11 typically approach from the northwest, crossing the southern edge of Lake Pontchartrain before turning toward the airport. This gives right-side passengers a clear view of the lake's open water and the New Orleans skyline in the distance. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans skyline, Bonnet Carre Spillway, Mississippi River delta wetlands.
How long is the flight from Chicago to New Orleans?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 838 miles (1,349 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to New Orleans flight path pass over?
Mississippi River valley near the Missouri-Arkansas border, Ozark foothills to the west, and the flat Mississippi Delta farmland further south