Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Ontario. While takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, the landing approach into Ontario provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains as a major visual feature. The westbound flight path also means the right side captures better afternoon light during descent.

During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the initial climb-out westbound. You'll see the downtown skyline receding and the lake's eastern edge clearly defined. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Chicago River, Grant Park waterfront.

When landing at Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Ontario. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains prominently on approach, plus the sprawling Los Angeles basin and the transition from desert to urban development. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Valley, Los Angeles basin urban grid, Inland Empire sprawl.

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Ontario International (ONT) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

The flight crosses the Mississippi River valley (visible around 1 hour out), then the Great Plains with sparse settlement patterns, followed by the Rocky Mountain foothills appearing around 2.5 hours into flight. The Continental Divide and high desert plateau of Colorado and Utah dominate the mid-flight segment. As you approach California, the Sierra Nevada mountains appear on the left (north) side, and the Mojave Desert becomes visible beneath. The final approach descends over the San Bernardino Valley with the San Gabriel Mountains rising to the north.