Chicago to Monterrey is 1,317 miles (2,120 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The right side misses the Chicago departure views but delivers the dramatic Sierra Madre arrival into Monterrey, which is the more visually striking payoff. Mid-flight over northern Mexico the right side also faces west toward the Sierra Madre foothills as they come into view on the horizon.
Flight Path
The flight tracks south-southwest over central Illinois flatlands, then crosses the Missouri Ozarks as low rolling hills, continues over Arkansas and into Texas crossing the Edwards Plateau, then descends over the brush country of the Rio Grande Plain before crossing into Tamaulipas, Mexico, with the Sierra Madre Oriental appearing on the western horizon in the final hour of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD departures heading south or southwest put the left side facing east toward downtown Chicago. You get a clear view of the Loop skyline, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the lakefront parks. The right side faces west into flat suburban sprawl.
Landing at MTY
RIGHTMTY sits in a valley with the Sierra Madre Oriental rising sharply to the west and south. Arrivals from the north typically approach from the northeast, putting the right side facing west toward Cerro de la Silla and the main Sierra Madre ridgeline. Left side faces east toward flat lowland plains.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to General Mariano Escobedo International (MTY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Monterrey. The right side misses the Chicago departure views but delivers the dramatic Sierra Madre arrival into Monterrey, which is the more visually striking payoff. Mid-flight over northern Mexico the right side also faces west toward the Sierra Madre foothills as they come into view on the horizon.
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 departures heading south or southwest put the left side facing east toward downtown Chicago. You get a clear view of the Loop skyline, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the lakefront parks. The right side faces west into flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Chicago River bends through downtown.
What can I see when landing at General Mariano Escobedo International in Monterrey?
When landing at General Mariano Escobedo International (MTY), sit on the Right side for the best views. MTY sits in a valley with the Sierra Madre Oriental rising sharply to the west and south. Arrivals from the north typically approach from the northeast, putting the right side facing west toward Cerro de la Silla and the main Sierra Madre ridgeline. Left side faces east toward flat lowland plains. Notable sights include: Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain), Sierra Madre Oriental ridgeline, Monterrey urban valley, Santa Catarina River corridor.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Monterrey?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to General Mariano Escobedo International (MTY) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,317 miles (2,120 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Monterrey flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south-southwest over central Illinois flatlands, then crosses the Missouri Ozarks as low rolling hills, continues over Arkansas and into Texas crossing the Edwards Plateau, then descends over the brush country of the Rio Grande Plain before crossing into Tamaulipas, Mexico, with the Sierra Madre Oriental appearing on the western horizon in the final hour of flight.