Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tucson to Chicago. While takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach provides more varied and iconic urban-plus-water views. Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline are more visually distinctive than desert terrain, making the left side the better overall choice for this route.

During takeoff from Tucson International (TUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers immediate views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the broader Tucson valley. The northeastbound departure from TUS climbs directly toward these peaks, making them prominent during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson urban grid, Saguaro National Park East (distant), Rincon Mountains (far right horizon).

When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during the final approach. ORD's standard approach from the southwest brings the lake and city center into view on the left side as altitude decreases. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown/Loop district, Chicago River, Des Plaines River valley.

The flight from Tucson International (TUS) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and High Plains. Notable features include the Mogollon Rim (visible from central Arizona), the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (far right, northern New Mexico), the Texas Panhandle's flat terrain, and the Oklahoma grasslands. The Arkansas River valley becomes visible approaching Kansas. No major bodies of water are crossed until Lake Michigan on approach to Chicago.