The right side wins by combining a scenic Chicago skyline departure with a Grand Traverse Bay approach, while the left side offers mostly open lake water and flat farmland with little visual variety.
Flown ORD to TVC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Traverse City is 224 miles (360 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Southern Lake Michigan crossing and the forested farmland of Michigan's Lower Peninsula
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD to the northeast, the right side offers a view back over Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline as the aircraft climbs out and turns toward Michigan. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl and farmland with little variation.
Landing at TVC
RIGHTOn approach into Traverse City, the flight path curves over the forested tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula before lining up with the runway, and the right side captures views of Grand Traverse Bay's turquoise water framed by wooded shorelines. The left side during this turn mostly shows inland farmland and forest without the bay.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Traverse City. The right side wins by combining a scenic Chicago skyline departure with a Grand Traverse Bay approach, while the left side offers mostly open lake water and flat farmland with little visual variety.
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 to the northeast, the right side offers a view back over Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline as the aircraft climbs out and turns toward Michigan. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl and farmland with little variation. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's runway grid receding below.
What can I see when landing at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City?
When landing at Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Traverse City, the flight path curves over the forested tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula before lining up with the runway, and the right side captures views of Grand Traverse Bay's turquoise water framed by wooded shorelines. The left side during this turn mostly shows inland farmland and forest without the bay. Notable sights include: Grand Traverse Bay, forested Leelanau Peninsula shoreline, Traverse City's waterfront.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Traverse City?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 224 miles (360 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Traverse City flight path pass over?
Southern Lake Michigan crossing and the forested farmland of Michigan's Lower Peninsula