While takeoff offers only a fleeting skyline view on the right, the left side wins overall because it captures the Rocky Mountain foothills and Uinta Mountains passing south of the cruise track, then delivers a dramatic close-up of the Wasatch Range on final approach into Salt Lake City.
Flight Path
Flat farmland of Iowa and Nebraska give way near the Wyoming border to the southern Rocky Mountain foothills and Medicine Bow Range, followed by the high desert basins of southern Wyoming before the Uinta Mountains and Wasatch Range rise ahead of the descent into Salt Lake City.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD westbound, the right side offers a brief but genuine glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline as the aircraft climbs out before turning onto its westward track. The left side over Chicago's flat western suburbs shows little beyond grid-pattern development.
Landing at SLC
LEFTOn final approach into SLC, the airport's north-south runway layout means the Wasatch Range looms directly east of the valley, and with southerly-flow landings the aircraft descends facing south, placing those peaks on the left side. Passengers get a close, dramatic view of sharp granite summits rising straight from the valley floor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Salt Lake City. While takeoff offers only a fleeting skyline view on the right, the left side wins overall because it captures the Rocky Mountain foothills and Uinta Mountains passing south of the cruise track, then delivers a dramatic close-up of the Wasatch Range on final approach into Salt Lake City.
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. Departing ORD westbound, the right side offers a brief but genuine glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline as the aircraft climbs out before turning onto its westward track. The left side over Chicago's flat western suburbs shows little beyond grid-pattern development. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare airport complex, western Chicago suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. On final approach into SLC, the airport's north-south runway layout means the Wasatch Range looms directly east of the valley, and with southerly-flow landings the aircraft descends facing south, placing those peaks on the left side. Passengers get a close, dramatic view of sharp granite summits rising straight from the valley floor. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Mount Olympus, Salt Lake Valley floor, Twin Peaks.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes 3h 40m.
What does the Chicago to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of Iowa and Nebraska give way near the Wyoming border to the southern Rocky Mountain foothills and Medicine Bow Range, followed by the high desert basins of southern Wyoming before the Uinta Mountains and Wasatch Range rise ahead of the descent into Salt Lake City.