About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Chicago. Left side wins both ends of this short flight. The Mississippi River and Gateway Arch at departure and the Chicago lakefront and skyline on approach make the left side consistently more rewarding. The flight is too short and low-drama in the middle for the right side to compete.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lambert's primary departures heading northeast put the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis on the left side. You get a clear view of the Gateway Arch, the river bends, and the urban grid of downtown before the aircraft climbs out over Illinois farmland. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Mississippi River and its distinctive bends, Eads Bridge and the cluster of historic bridges, East St. Louis floodplain across the river.
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 south typically approach from the southwest on runways 10L/10R or 9L/9R, putting Lake Michigan and the Chicago lakefront on the left side. You get a sweeping view of the Chicago skyline, Grant Park, and the lake stretching to the horizon. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline and lakefront parks, Wrigley Field neighborhood (Lakeview) visible as dense urban grid, O'Hare airport layout visible just before touchdown.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Chicago?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 50-65 minutes.
What does the St. Louis to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight crosses central Illinois, which is almost entirely flat agricultural land — large rectangular fields of corn and soybean in a patchwork grid pattern. The Kankakee River is faintly visible as a thin line crossing the landscape roughly 30 minutes into the flight. No significant terrain changes occur; the dominant visual is the geometric precision of Midwest farmland at cruise altitude.