Right-side seats deliver scenic value at both ends of the flight: Lake Michigan during Chicago departure and the Chattahoochee River valley during Atlanta arrival. The flight path generally trends southeast, making right-side seats the consistent winner for natural water features and terrain variation.
Flown ORD to PDK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Atlanta is 593 miles (954 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight passes over central Indiana (farmland and small lakes), then transitions into Kentucky with the Ohio River valley visible to the east, and finally crosses into Tennessee with the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian foothills becoming visible as the aircraft descends toward Atlanta. The terrain gradually transitions from flat Midwest plains to rolling hills and forested ridges.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs out over water, plus the Chicago skyline receding to the west. Left side faces inland residential areas with less visual interest during initial climb.
Landing at PDK
RIGHTRight-side seats provide views of the Chattahoochee River valley and Atlanta's northern suburbs as you descend into PDK. The river creates a distinctive natural feature visible during approach, and you'll see the city sprawl expanding southward.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Atlanta. Right-side seats deliver scenic value at both ends of the flight: Lake Michigan during Chicago departure and the Chattahoochee River valley during Atlanta arrival. The flight path generally trends southeast, making right-side seats the consistent winner for natural water features and terrain variation.
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. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs out over water, plus the Chicago skyline receding to the west. Left side faces inland residential areas with less visual interest during initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate right), Chicago downtown skyline (west/left distance), Des Plaines River valley (below), suburban grid pattern extending south.
What can I see when landing at DeKalb Peachtree Airport in Atlanta?
When landing at DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide views of the Chattahoochee River valley and Atlanta's northern suburbs as you descend into PDK. The river creates a distinctive natural feature visible during approach, and you'll see the city sprawl expanding southward. Notable sights include: Chattahoochee River (winding through forested valley), Atlanta northern suburbs and street grid, Stone Mountain (distant southeast), Peachtree DeKalb Airport runway environment.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Atlanta?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 593 miles (954 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight passes over central Indiana (farmland and small lakes), then transitions into Kentucky with the Ohio River valley visible to the east, and finally crosses into Tennessee with the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian foothills becoming visible as the aircraft descends toward Atlanta. The terrain gradually transitions from flat Midwest plains to rolling hills and forested ridges.