Right-side seats provide superior scenery for both departure and arrival phases. The Lake Michigan views during climb-out and the Appalachian mountain scenery during descent make the right side consistently more visually rewarding for this route.
Flown ORD to TRI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Blountville is 481 miles (773 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Kentucky, passing over the Cumberland Plateau region. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible near the Kentucky-Ohio border), the rolling topography of central Kentucky with scattered forests and farmland, and the transition from Midwestern plains to Appalachian terrain. The Cumberland Mountains become increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Tennessee.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs southeastward out of ORD. The contrast between the urban core and the vast lake provides excellent early-flight scenery.
Landing at TRI
RIGHTRight-side seats on descent into TRI offer views of the Appalachian ridgelines and the Holston River valley. The terrain becomes increasingly mountainous and visually distinctive as you approach the tri-state region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport (TRI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Blountville. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for both departure and arrival phases. The Lake Michigan views during climb-out and the Appalachian mountain scenery during descent make the right side consistently more visually rewarding for this route.
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. Right-side seats capture the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs southeastward out of ORD. The contrast between the urban core and the vast lake provides excellent early-flight scenery. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago residential neighborhoods extending south, industrial areas along the lakefront.
What can I see when landing at Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport in Blountville?
When landing at Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport (TRI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats on descent into TRI offer views of the Appalachian ridgelines and the Holston River valley. The terrain becomes increasingly mountainous and visually distinctive as you approach the tri-state region. Notable sights include: Appalachian Mountains (Clinch Mountain range visible), Holston River valley, Kingsport/Johnson City urban areas, ridge-and-valley topography.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Blountville?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport (TRI) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 481 miles (773 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Blountville flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Kentucky, passing over the Cumberland Plateau region. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible near the Kentucky-Ohio border), the rolling topography of central Kentucky with scattered forests and farmland, and the transition from Midwestern plains to Appalachian terrain. The Cumberland Mountains become increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Tennessee.