About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to San Diego. The left side wins overall because the Chicago departure view is genuinely spectacular — a prolonged look at one of America's great skylines with Lake Michigan as backdrop. During the cruise, the left side also faces south, giving better views of the Colorado River corridor, Salton Sea, and the approach into Southern California. The right side landing at SAN is excellent but brief.
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's most common westbound departures (runways 10L/10C heading west-southwest) put the left side facing south toward downtown Chicago. You get a clear view of the Loop skyline, Lake Michigan's southern shoreline, and the lakefront parks as you climb out. The right side faces north into suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan southern shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Midway Airport to the south.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAN's primary runway 27 approach comes in from the east over Mission Valley, putting the right side facing north over Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. The left side faces south toward downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bridge, but the right side gives the iconic low-altitude pass over Mission Bay's lagoons and the Pacific coastline just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mission Bay and its lagoons, Pacific Beach coastline, SeaWorld San Diego park on Mission Bay, Point Loma peninsula.
How long is the flight from Chicago to San Diego?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Chicago to San Diego flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over Iowa and Missouri, then across Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle. Over New Mexico you cross the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains near Albuquerque. Arizona brings the Colorado Plateau, the Grand Canyon visible to the north on left side, then the Sonoran Desert. The Colorado River marks the California border. The Salton Sea — a large inland saline lake — is clearly visible from both sides before the descent into San Diego over the Peninsular Ranges.