Right-side seats capture the most compelling scenery on both legs: Atlanta's urban transition during takeoff and the approach over Illinois farmland before reaching Lake Michigan. The midpoint offers less dramatic terrain, making the endpoints the priority.
Flown PDK to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Chicago is 593 miles (954 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and southern Indiana, passing over the Cumberland Plateau region and the Ohio River valley. Notable features include the Tennessee River's winding path through valleys, the transition from Appalachian foothills to the flatter Midwest terrain, and scattered lakes and reservoirs. The landscape gradually shifts from forested hills to agricultural farmland as the aircraft moves northward into Indiana.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDK
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Atlanta's urban sprawl and the Piedmont region as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the city grid fade into suburban development and forested terrain characteristic of northern Georgia.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Chicago, particularly of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the city's lakefront development. You'll see the transition from inland terrain to the massive lake and Chicago's downtown skyline along the water's edge.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Chicago. Right-side seats capture the most compelling scenery on both legs: Atlanta's urban transition during takeoff and the approach over Illinois farmland before reaching Lake Michigan. The midpoint offers less dramatic terrain, making the endpoints the priority.
What can I see during takeoff from DeKalb Peachtree Airport in Atlanta?
During takeoff from DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Atlanta's urban sprawl and the Piedmont region as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the city grid fade into suburban development and forested terrain characteristic of northern Georgia. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Chattahoochee River valley, Piedmont plateau terrain, suburban sprawl transitioning to forest.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Chicago, particularly of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the city's lakefront development. You'll see the transition from inland terrain to the massive lake and Chicago's downtown skyline along the water's edge. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline, lakefront parks and beaches, suburban grid of Illinois.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Chicago?
The flight from DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 593 miles (954 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Tennessee and southern Indiana, passing over the Cumberland Plateau region and the Ohio River valley. Notable features include the Tennessee River's winding path through valleys, the transition from Appalachian foothills to the flatter Midwest terrain, and scattered lakes and reservoirs. The landscape gradually shifts from forested hills to agricultural farmland as the aircraft moves northward into Indiana.