The right side edges out the left because it captures the Research Triangle urban cluster during departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan during arrival, while the left side offers only flat farmland and low Appalachian ridgelines during cruise with no comparable urban or water features.
Flown RDU to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Chicago is 646 miles (1,039 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Low Appalachian ridges of West Virginia and eastern Ohio, the Ohio River valley, and the flat farmland of central Indiana and Illinois
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTRDU departures typically roll on runway 23 (southwest) then bank right onto a northwesterly course toward Chicago. That turn swings the right side of the cabin toward the Raleigh-Durham urban corridor and Research Triangle Park before the plane settles onto its Midwest-bound heading, while the left side only sees rural Piedmont farmland.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArriving from the southeast, aircraft into ORD are commonly vectored south of the field before turning onto a westbound final for the parallel runways. During that turn, the Chicago skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline sweep past on the right side, while the left side faces flat Illinois farmland and suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Chicago. The right side edges out the left because it captures the Research Triangle urban cluster during departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan during arrival, while the left side offers only flat farmland and low Appalachian ridgelines during cruise with no comparable urban or water features.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. RDU departures typically roll on runway 23 (southwest) then bank right onto a northwesterly course toward Chicago. That turn swings the right side of the cabin toward the Raleigh-Durham urban corridor and Research Triangle Park before the plane settles onto its Midwest-bound heading, while the left side only sees rural Piedmont farmland. Notable sights include: Research Triangle Park, downtown Raleigh skyline, Falls Lake, Piedmont forest patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the southeast, aircraft into ORD are commonly vectored south of the field before turning onto a westbound final for the parallel runways. During that turn, the Chicago skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline sweep past on the right side, while the left side faces flat Illinois farmland and suburbs. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's parallel runway complex.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Chicago?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 646 miles (1,039 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Chicago flight path pass over?
Low Appalachian ridges of West Virginia and eastern Ohio, the Ohio River valley, and the flat farmland of central Indiana and Illinois