Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Rochester. Right-side seats dominate both departure and arrival phases. Takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, and landing provides the visually distinctive Finger Lakes region—a genuinely unique geological feature. Left-side views are primarily suburban and agricultural terrain without comparable visual interest.

During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan's shoreline immediately after departure, with the Chicago skyline visible to the left. The aircraft typically climbs eastward over the lake before turning northeast toward Rochester. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate right), Chicago downtown skyline (left), suburban sprawl of northern Illinois (below), Indiana coastline (distant right).

When landing at Greater Rochester International (ROC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide views of Finger Lakes region and Seneca Lake during descent into Rochester. The aircraft approaches from the west, and right-side windows capture the distinctive elongated lakes and surrounding Appalachian foothills. Notable sights include: Seneca Lake (largest Finger Lake, visible right), surrounding Finger Lakes region (center-right), Appalachian foothills (distant right and center), Rochester urban area (left, final approach).

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Greater Rochester International (ROC) takes 1h 15m.

Lake Ontario (northern horizon during cruise), Appalachian foothills of central New York, multiple Finger Lakes (Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka) visible during descent approach