Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Norfolk. The right side wins overall because the Chicago departure view — skyline plus Lake Michigan — is one of the most dramatic urban departures in the US and clearly outweighs the landing advantage. Mid-flight the right side also tracks closer to the Ohio River valley and the Appalachian foothills as the route curves southeast, offering more terrain interest than the left side's view over flat Indiana and Ohio farmland.

During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. O'Hare's most common departure runways (10R/28L and 10L/28R) send eastbound flights climbing out over the Chicago metro. A right-side seat gives you the downtown Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, and the southern lakefront neighborhoods as you turn southeast. Left side faces northwest toward suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago's South Side lakefront, Indiana Dunes coastline.

When landing at Norfolk Ns (NGU), sit on the Left side for the best views. NGU (Norfolk Naval Station) sits on the western shore of Hampton Roads. Approaches from the northwest typically bring aircraft over the Chesapeake Bay and the Hampton Roads waterway. A left-side seat gives you the broad view of Hampton Roads, the naval station piers, and the Elizabeth River confluence as you descend. Right side faces inland toward suburban Virginia Beach. Notable sights include: Hampton Roads waterway, Norfolk Naval Station piers, Chesapeake Bay southern reach, Elizabeth River mouth.

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Norfolk Ns (NGU) takes Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.

The route crosses northern Indiana and Ohio flatlands, then picks up the Ohio River valley near Huntington WV, crosses the Appalachian ridges of West Virginia (the Allegheny Plateau), descends over the Virginia Piedmont, and approaches Hampton Roads across the flat Tidewater coastal plain. The Appalachian crossing over West Virginia is the most visually interesting segment, with parallel forested ridgelines visible from altitude.