The right side captures the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe during departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan on arrival, giving it two genuinely scenic bookends compared to the flatter, less distinctive views on the left.
Flown RNO to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reno to Chicago is 1,667 miles (2,683 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Great Salt Lake basin and Wasatch Range foothills in Utah, followed by the high plains of Wyoming and Nebraska, then farmland of Iowa before descending into the Chicago metropolitan area
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RNO
RIGHTDeparting RNO to the east, the right side offers a brief but striking view back toward the Sierra Nevada crest and the Lake Tahoe basin as the aircraft climbs out of the Truckee Meadows valley. The left side mostly shows the flatter Virginia Range and high desert toward Pyramid Lake, which is less dramatic.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn approach into ORD from the west, arrivals often curve south before lining up for the east-facing runways, giving right-side passengers a clear look at downtown Chicago's skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan just before touchdown. The left side during this maneuver mostly shows flat suburban grids with no comparable landmark.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reno to Chicago. The right side captures the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe during departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan on arrival, giving it two genuinely scenic bookends compared to the flatter, less distinctive views on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
During takeoff from Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing RNO to the east, the right side offers a brief but striking view back toward the Sierra Nevada crest and the Lake Tahoe basin as the aircraft climbs out of the Truckee Meadows valley. The left side mostly shows the flatter Virginia Range and high desert toward Pyramid Lake, which is less dramatic. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada crest, Lake Tahoe basin, Mount Rose, Truckee Meadows valley floor.
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. On approach into ORD from the west, arrivals often curve south before lining up for the east-facing runways, giving right-side passengers a clear look at downtown Chicago's skyline and the edge of Lake Michigan just before touchdown. The left side during this maneuver mostly shows flat suburban grids with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears/Willis cluster), Lake Michigan shoreline, Loop district, O'Hare's runway grid.
How long is the flight from Reno to Chicago?
The flight from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,667 miles (2,683 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reno to Chicago flight path pass over?
Great Salt Lake basin and Wasatch Range foothills in Utah, followed by the high plains of Wyoming and Nebraska, then farmland of Iowa before descending into the Chicago metropolitan area