While takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, the landing approach into Santa Barbara provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific coastline are far more striking than the flat Midwest terrain you'll cross for most of the flight.
Flown ORD to SBA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Santa Barbara is 1,799 miles (2,895 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains (Kansas, Colorado), then the Rocky Mountains near Denver or south of them depending on routing, followed by the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. You'll see the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City or the Sierra Nevada range if routed further south. The transition from high desert to coastal California occurs in the final hour, with the Sierra Madre and San Rafael Mountains visible before descent into the Santa Barbara basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats capture the departure corridor westbound over Lake Michigan and the Chicago metropolitan area. You'll see the lake's eastern shoreline and the city grid receding beneath you as you climb.
Landing at SBA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer the best views during the descent approach into Santa Barbara. You'll see the Santa Ynez Mountains rising dramatically inland and the Pacific coastline with the city nestled between mountains and ocean.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Santa Barbara. While takeoff offers Lake Michigan views, the landing approach into Santa Barbara provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific coastline are far more striking than the flat Midwest terrain you'll cross for most of the flight.
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. Left-side seats capture the departure corridor westbound over Lake Michigan and the Chicago metropolitan area. You'll see the lake's eastern shoreline and the city grid receding beneath you as you climb. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate left), Chicago downtown skyline and grid pattern, Indiana coastline to the south.
What can I see when landing at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport in Santa Barbara?
When landing at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer the best views during the descent approach into Santa Barbara. You'll see the Santa Ynez Mountains rising dramatically inland and the Pacific coastline with the city nestled between mountains and ocean. Notable sights include: Santa Ynez Mountains (inland, north), Pacific Ocean coastline, Santa Barbara city and harbor, Point Conception to the northwest.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Santa Barbara?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,799 miles (2,895 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Santa Barbara flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains (Kansas, Colorado), then the Rocky Mountains near Denver or south of them depending on routing, followed by the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin. You'll see the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City or the Sierra Nevada range if routed further south. The transition from high desert to coastal California occurs in the final hour, with the Sierra Madre and San Rafael Mountains visible before descent into the Santa Barbara basin.