The right side delivers the dramatic Chicago lakefront departure, and during cruise the right side also faces generally south toward the southern Finger Lakes and Pennsylvania highlands. The left side has the better landing view over Onondaga Lake, but the Chicago departure spectacle on the right outweighs it for the overall experience.
Flown ORD to SYR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Syracuse is 605 miles (974 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast across northern Indiana and Ohio, crossing Lake Erie's southern shoreline near Cleveland or Erie PA depending on routing. Over western New York the Allegheny Plateau gives way to the drumlin fields and glacially-shaped terrain of central New York. The Erie Canal corridor and the northern Finger Lakes are visible during descent into Syracuse.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD's most common eastbound departures use runways 10R/10L heading east, putting the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on the right (south) side. You get a clear view of the downtown lakefront as the aircraft climbs and turns east over the southern suburbs.
Landing at SYR
LEFTSYR typically uses runway 10/28 or 15/33. On approach from the west, aircraft commonly come in on runway 10 heading east, putting Onondaga Lake and downtown Syracuse on the left (north) side. The Finger Lakes region is also visible to the left during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Syracuse Hancock International (SYR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Syracuse. The right side delivers the dramatic Chicago lakefront departure, and during cruise the right side also faces generally south toward the southern Finger Lakes and Pennsylvania highlands. The left side has the better landing view over Onondaga Lake, but the Chicago departure spectacle on the right outweighs it for the overall experience.
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. ORD's most common eastbound departures use runways 10R/10L heading east, putting the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on the right (south) side. You get a clear view of the downtown lakefront as the aircraft climbs and turns east over the southern suburbs. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Chicago River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Syracuse Hancock International in Syracuse?
When landing at Syracuse Hancock International (SYR), sit on the Left side for the best views. SYR typically uses runway 10/28 or 15/33. On approach from the west, aircraft commonly come in on runway 10 heading east, putting Onondaga Lake and downtown Syracuse on the left (north) side. The Finger Lakes region is also visible to the left during descent. Notable sights include: Onondaga Lake, downtown Syracuse, Oneida Lake to the north, Finger Lakes region to the southwest.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Syracuse?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 605 miles (974 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Syracuse flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast across northern Indiana and Ohio, crossing Lake Erie's southern shoreline near Cleveland or Erie PA depending on routing. Over western New York the Allegheny Plateau gives way to the drumlin fields and glacially-shaped terrain of central New York. The Erie Canal corridor and the northern Finger Lakes are visible during descent into Syracuse.