Although the takeoff briefly favors the left with a Chicago skyline glimpse, the right side offers more consistent visual interest through the Appalachian ridge crossings during cruise and the Piedmont foothill views on final approach into RDU.
Flown ORD to RDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Raleigh-Durham is 646 miles (1,039 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Ohio River valley near Cincinnati, ridge-and-valley Appalachian terrain over West Virginia and western Virginia, Blue Ridge foothills tapering into the North Carolina Piedmont
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD typically launches southeast-bound flights off the westbound runways, then banks left onto a southerly heading toward the Carolinas. During that turn, the left side briefly faces east, giving a glimpse of downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline before the plane settles on course.
Landing at RDU
RIGHTRDU's prevailing southwest flow means arrivals from the northwest turn onto final for runway 23, aligning the aircraft on a southwest heading. On that leg the right side faces the rolling Piedmont terrain and the distant, low ridgelines of the Appalachian foothills, while the left side only shows the flatter coastal plain toward the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham. Although the takeoff briefly favors the left with a Chicago skyline glimpse, the right side offers more consistent visual interest through the Appalachian ridge crossings during cruise and the Piedmont foothill views on final approach into RDU.
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 typically launches southeast-bound flights off the westbound runways, then banks left onto a southerly heading toward the Carolinas. During that turn, the left side briefly faces east, giving a glimpse of downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline before the plane settles on course. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower area), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's western suburban grid.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. RDU's prevailing southwest flow means arrivals from the northwest turn onto final for runway 23, aligning the aircraft on a southwest heading. On that leg the right side faces the rolling Piedmont terrain and the distant, low ridgelines of the Appalachian foothills, while the left side only shows the flatter coastal plain toward the east. Notable sights include: Rolling Piedmont hills, distant Appalachian foothill ridgeline, Falls Lake reservoir, forested Research Triangle terrain.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 646 miles (1,039 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
Ohio River valley near Cincinnati, ridge-and-valley Appalachian terrain over West Virginia and western Virginia, Blue Ridge foothills tapering into the North Carolina Piedmont