The left side delivers the dramatic Chicago lakefront and skyline on departure, and along the flight path southward offers views of the Gulf of Mexico coastline over the Yucatan Peninsula. The right side has a slight edge on landing approach, but the departure views from the left are more iconic and the flight path keeps interesting coastal and water features more accessible from the left.
Flown ORD to SAL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to San Salvador is 1,973 miles (3,175 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The flight tracks south-southeast over Missouri and Arkansas, then crosses the Gulf of Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is visible below with its flat limestone terrain and turquoise Caribbean coastal waters on the left and Gulf of Mexico on the right. Guatemala's volcanic highlands and the Sierra Madre de Chiapas appear near the end of the flight as the aircraft descends toward El Salvador.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD departures heading south or southeast put the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on the left side. The dense grid of Chicago's downtown and the lakefront are clearly visible during climb-out before turning south.
Landing at SAL
RIGHTSAL approaches typically come in from the north or northwest, with runway 07/25 being the primary runway. A right-side seat on approach from the northwest gives views of the Santa Ana volcano and the San Salvador metropolitan area spread across the valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to El Salvador International (SAL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to San Salvador. The left side delivers the dramatic Chicago lakefront and skyline on departure, and along the flight path southward offers views of the Gulf of Mexico coastline over the Yucatan Peninsula. The right side has a slight edge on landing approach, but the departure views from the left are more iconic and the flight path keeps interesting coastal and water features more accessible from the left.
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 departures heading south or southeast put the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on the left side. The dense grid of Chicago's downtown and the lakefront are clearly visible during climb-out before turning south. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Midway Airport to the south.
What can I see when landing at El Salvador International in San Salvador?
When landing at El Salvador International (SAL), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAL approaches typically come in from the north or northwest, with runway 07/25 being the primary runway. A right-side seat on approach from the northwest gives views of the Santa Ana volcano and the San Salvador metropolitan area spread across the valley. Notable sights include: Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec), San Salvador metropolitan area, Lago de Ilopango to the east, Cordillera Apaneca volcanic range.
How long is the flight from Chicago to San Salvador?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to El Salvador International (SAL) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,973 miles (3,175 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to San Salvador flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south-southeast over Missouri and Arkansas, then crosses the Gulf of Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is visible below with its flat limestone terrain and turquoise Caribbean coastal waters on the left and Gulf of Mexico on the right. Guatemala's volcanic highlands and the Sierra Madre de Chiapas appear near the end of the flight as the aircraft descends toward El Salvador.