Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get the naval station and Hampton Roads, and on approach to O'Hare you get the Chicago lakefront and skyline. The left side also tracks closer to the Ohio River valley and southern Lake Michigan during cruise, offering more visual interest than the right side's view over rural Indiana farmland.
Flown ORF to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Norfolk to Chicago is 716 miles (1,152 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of western Virginia and West Virginia, then flattens into the Ohio River valley near Charleston WV. Over Ohio the terrain is flat agricultural land. The southern tip of Lake Erie may be visible to the left near Cleveland. The flight then crosses northern Indiana's flat farmland before descending toward Chicago and the southern end of Lake Michigan.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORF
LEFTNorfolk International typically departs runway 23 heading southwest, then turns northwest toward Chicago. A left-side seat gives you views over the Elizabeth River, Norfolk Naval Station (the world's largest naval base), and Hampton Roads harbor as you climb out. You'll see the distinctive layout of the naval piers and the mouth of Chesapeake Bay.
Landing at ORD
LEFTO'Hare arrivals from the east typically use runways 10L/10C/10R, approaching from the east-southeast. A left-side seat on approach gives you views over the Chicago lakefront, Grant Park, the Loop skyline, and Lake Michigan's shoreline as you descend. The city grid and lakefront parks are clearly laid out on the left side during the descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk International (ORF) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Chicago. Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get the naval station and Hampton Roads, and on approach to O'Hare you get the Chicago lakefront and skyline. The left side also tracks closer to the Ohio River valley and southern Lake Michigan during cruise, offering more visual interest than the right side's view over rural Indiana farmland.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk International in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Norfolk International typically departs runway 23 heading southwest, then turns northwest toward Chicago. A left-side seat gives you views over the Elizabeth River, Norfolk Naval Station (the world's largest naval base), and Hampton Roads harbor as you climb out. You'll see the distinctive layout of the naval piers and the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. Notable sights include: Norfolk Naval Station piers, Elizabeth River, Hampton Roads harbor, Chesapeake Bay mouth.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. O'Hare arrivals from the east typically use runways 10L/10C/10R, approaching from the east-southeast. A left-side seat on approach gives you views over the Chicago lakefront, Grant Park, the Loop skyline, and Lake Michigan's shoreline as you descend. The city grid and lakefront parks are clearly laid out on the left side during the descent. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago Loop skyline, Grant Park, O'Hare airport grid visible on final.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to Chicago?
The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 716 miles (1,152 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of western Virginia and West Virginia, then flattens into the Ohio River valley near Charleston WV. Over Ohio the terrain is flat agricultural land. The southern tip of Lake Erie may be visible to the left near Cleveland. The flight then crosses northern Indiana's flat farmland before descending toward Chicago and the southern end of Lake Michigan.