Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Lake Michigan and Chicago is more dramatic and sustained than the landing view. While the Sierra Nevada approach on the left is spectacular, the westbound departure over the Great Lakes region offers longer viewing duration and more distinctive urban/water contrast.
Flown ORD to RNO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Reno is 1,667 miles (2,683 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses Iowa (Des Moines area visible around 1.5 hours out), then enters Nebraska and Wyoming. Notable midpoint features include the Missouri River valley (visible around 2 hours), the High Plains terrain of Wyoming, and the Laramie Range. By 3 hours, the Rocky Mountain front becomes visible. The final approach crosses the Great Basin with its characteristic basin-and-range topography—alternating north-south mountain ridges and valleys—before descending into the Truckee Meadows and Sierra Nevada approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD typically departs westbound on runways 28L/R or 10L/R depending on wind. Right-side seats offer the best view of Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline and the Chicago skyline receding behind you during westbound climbs. Eastbound departures are less common but would favor left seats.
Landing at RNO
LEFTApproaching RNO from the east typically uses runways 16L/R (northbound) or 34L/R (southbound). Left-side seats during eastbound approaches capture the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment and the Washoe Valley geography. The dramatic elevation change and mountain profile are most striking from the left during standard approach vectors.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Reno. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Lake Michigan and Chicago is more dramatic and sustained than the landing view. While the Sierra Nevada approach on the left is spectacular, the westbound departure over the Great Lakes region offers longer viewing duration and more distinctive urban/water contrast.
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. ORD typically departs westbound on runways 28L/R or 10L/R depending on wind. Right-side seats offer the best view of Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline and the Chicago skyline receding behind you during westbound climbs. Eastbound departures are less common but would favor left seats. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate right, extending to horizon), Chicago downtown skyline (behind and right during climb), Des Plaines River valley (below, running northwest), Illinois prairie expanding westward.
What can I see when landing at Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
When landing at Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching RNO from the east typically uses runways 16L/R (northbound) or 34L/R (southbound). Left-side seats during eastbound approaches capture the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment and the Washoe Valley geography. The dramatic elevation change and mountain profile are most striking from the left during standard approach vectors. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada range (left, rising steeply from valley floor), Washoe Valley (below, north-south oriented), Reno city grid (right-center, nestled against mountains), Truckee Meadows (immediate foreground during descent).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Reno?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,667 miles (2,683 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Reno flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Iowa (Des Moines area visible around 1.5 hours out), then enters Nebraska and Wyoming. Notable midpoint features include the Missouri River valley (visible around 2 hours), the High Plains terrain of Wyoming, and the Laramie Range. By 3 hours, the Rocky Mountain front becomes visible. The final approach crosses the Great Basin with its characteristic basin-and-range topography—alternating north-south mountain ridges and valleys—before descending into the Truckee Meadows and Sierra Nevada approach.