Chicago to Santa Ana is 1,722 miles (2,772 km), a flight of about 4 hours 20 minutes.
The right side tracks close to the Colorado Rockies and the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, including the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley region, then finishes with a scenic coastal descent past Catalina Island into Orange County — far more varied and dramatic than the left side's flat plains and desert basins.
Flight Path
Colorado Rockies near the Front Range, the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau close to Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon, and the Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Mountains before descending into the Los Angeles basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTDeparting ORD to the west on runway 28, the plane makes a gentle left turn onto its southwesterly course, giving left-side passengers a brief but genuine look back at the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline before the terrain flattens into farmland for the rest of the climb.
Landing at SNA
RIGHTOn final approach into SNA from the northeast, the right side of the aircraft faces the coast, giving a clear view of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Beach's harbor, and Catalina Island just before touchdown, while the left side only shows inland Orange County suburbs and hills.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Santa Ana. The right side tracks close to the Colorado Rockies and the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, including the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley region, then finishes with a scenic coastal descent past Catalina Island into Orange County — far more varied and dramatic than the left side's flat plains and desert basins.
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. Departing ORD to the west on runway 28, the plane makes a gentle left turn onto its southwesterly course, giving left-side passengers a brief but genuine look back at the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline before the terrain flattens into farmland for the rest of the climb. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago lakefront.
What can I see when landing at John Wayne Arpt Orange Co in Santa Ana?
When landing at John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into SNA from the northeast, the right side of the aircraft faces the coast, giving a clear view of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Beach's harbor, and Catalina Island just before touchdown, while the left side only shows inland Orange County suburbs and hills. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Newport Beach/Balboa Peninsula, Newport Harbor.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Santa Ana?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) takes about 4 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,722 miles (2,772 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Santa Ana flight path pass over?
Colorado Rockies near the Front Range, the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau close to Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon, and the Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Mountains before descending into the Los Angeles basin.