The left side wins on the strength of a dramatic, layered departure sequence over the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake, which outweighs the modest, occasional skyline glimpse the right side gets on arrival. Cruise scenery over Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa is largely flat and equal for both sides.
Flight Path
High plains and the Green River Basin of southern Wyoming, followed by the flat farmland of Nebraska and Iowa, with the Missouri River briefly visible near the Iowa-Nebraska state line.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
LEFTDeparting SLC on the southbound runway then banking left toward Chicago, the left side sweeps from the close, snow-streaked Wasatch Range right at liftoff to the shimmering Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island as the turn completes. It's a rare combo of alpine and inland-sea scenery packed into the first few minutes of the flight.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTOn the descent into O'Hare from the west, the right side occasionally offers a distant but genuine glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as the approach path curves south of the field before final turn. The left side over this stretch shows only flat suburban grid with no distinguishing features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Chicago. The left side wins on the strength of a dramatic, layered departure sequence over the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake, which outweighs the modest, occasional skyline glimpse the right side gets on arrival. Cruise scenery over Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa is largely flat and equal for both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
During takeoff from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SLC on the southbound runway then banking left toward Chicago, the left side sweeps from the close, snow-streaked Wasatch Range right at liftoff to the shimmering Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island as the turn completes. It's a rare combo of alpine and inland-sea scenery packed into the first few minutes of the flight. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Oquirrh Mountains.
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 the descent into O'Hare from the west, the right side occasionally offers a distant but genuine glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan as the approach path curves south of the field before final turn. The left side over this stretch shows only flat suburban grid with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, western Chicago suburbs, Des Plaines River.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Chicago?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 2h 55m.
What does the Salt Lake City to Chicago flight path pass over?
High plains and the Green River Basin of southern Wyoming, followed by the flat farmland of Nebraska and Iowa, with the Missouri River briefly visible near the Iowa-Nebraska state line.