While landing offers excellent Chicago views on the left, the takeoff from SJO provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the volcanic peaks of the Cordillera Central are geographically striking and visible for an extended period during climb-out. The right side captures this better than any landing view.
Flown SJO to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Jose to Chicago is 2,221 miles (3,575 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Yucatan Peninsula (visible as flat, low terrain with cenote lakes), Gulf of Mexico coastline, Veracruz region, Mississippi River valley in southern Illinois, transition from tropical to temperate landscape
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJO
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Central Valley and the volcanic peaks that dominate Costa Rica's geography during climb-out. The aircraft departs northwestward, and right-side windows capture the Cordillera Central mountain range rising steeply from the valley floor.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during the final approach into ORD. The aircraft descends from the northwest over Lake Michigan, and left-side windows frame the Chicago skyline, the lake's shoreline, and the urban grid of the city during the final 15-20 minutes of descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Chicago. While landing offers excellent Chicago views on the left, the takeoff from SJO provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the volcanic peaks of the Cordillera Central are geographically striking and visible for an extended period during climb-out. The right side captures this better than any landing view.
What can I see during takeoff from Juan Santamaria International in San Jose?
During takeoff from Juan Santamaria International (SJO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Central Valley and the volcanic peaks that dominate Costa Rica's geography during climb-out. The aircraft departs northwestward, and right-side windows capture the Cordillera Central mountain range rising steeply from the valley floor. Notable sights include: Cordillera Central (Poás and Barva volcanoes), Central Valley agricultural plains, Caribbean coastal lowlands to the northeast.
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 the best views during the final approach into ORD. The aircraft descends from the northwest over Lake Michigan, and left-side windows frame the Chicago skyline, the lake's shoreline, and the urban grid of the city during the final 15-20 minutes of descent. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Lake Shore Drive and coastal neighborhoods, Des Plaines River valley.
How long is the flight from San Jose to Chicago?
The flight from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,221 miles (3,575 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Jose to Chicago flight path pass over?
Yucatan Peninsula (visible as flat, low terrain with cenote lakes), Gulf of Mexico coastline, Veracruz region, Mississippi River valley in southern Illinois, transition from tropical to temperate landscape