The right side delivers a sustained, dramatic mountain sequence at takeoff with Rainier and St. Helens, while the left side's reward is a brief but striking skyline pass just before landing; over the full flight the volcanic Cascade scenery gives the right side a slight edge, with both sides otherwise crossing the same flat plains of Montana and the Dakotas during cruise.
Flight Path
The route crosses the northern Rockies near the Idaho-Montana border (Bitterroot Range and the Continental Divide), then flies over the wheat plains and river valleys of Montana and the Dakotas, including stretches of the Missouri River, before crossing the farmland of Minnesota and Wisconsin on the way into Chicago.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTAfter the southbound takeoff roll, the aircraft banks left onto its eastbound track, putting Mount Rainier's glaciated summit and Mount St. Helens' distinctive crater on the right side of the cabin. Passengers also get a last look at Puget Sound and the Tacoma waterfront before the climb carries the plane over the Cascade foothills.
Landing at ORD
LEFTArrivals into O'Hare from the west are often vectored east past the airport and turned back for a westbound landing, which sends the flight path directly over Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. That puts the skyline and lakefront on the left side of the aircraft in the final minutes before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Chicago. The right side delivers a sustained, dramatic mountain sequence at takeoff with Rainier and St. Helens, while the left side's reward is a brief but striking skyline pass just before landing; over the full flight the volcanic Cascade scenery gives the right side a slight edge, with both sides otherwise crossing the same flat plains of Montana and the Dakotas during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. After the southbound takeoff roll, the aircraft banks left onto its eastbound track, putting Mount Rainier's glaciated summit and Mount St. Helens' distinctive crater on the right side of the cabin. Passengers also get a last look at Puget Sound and the Tacoma waterfront before the climb carries the plane over the Cascade foothills. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Puget Sound, Tacoma waterfront.
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. Arrivals into O'Hare from the west are often vectored east past the airport and turned back for a westbound landing, which sends the flight path directly over Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. That puts the skyline and lakefront on the left side of the aircraft in the final minutes before touchdown. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Chicago lakefront.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Chicago?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 3h 55m.
What does the Seattle to Chicago flight path pass over?
The route crosses the northern Rockies near the Idaho-Montana border (Bitterroot Range and the Continental Divide), then flies over the wheat plains and river valleys of Montana and the Dakotas, including stretches of the Missouri River, before crossing the farmland of Minnesota and Wisconsin on the way into Chicago.