The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic bay departure from Traverse City and a Lake Michigan/Chicago skyline view on arrival, while the left side offers mostly flat, unremarkable Midwest terrain throughout.
Flown TVC to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Traverse City to Chicago is 224 miles (360 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Southern Lake Michigan open water, distant Wisconsin shoreline haze
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TVC
RIGHTDeparting TVC to the southwest, the right side offers a good look back at Grand Traverse Bay and the West Arm of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs out over the water. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and forest typical of northern Michigan.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArrivals into ORD from the northeast typically cross the southern end of Lake Michigan before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers a view of the lake and Chicago's skyline along the shoreline before the runway turn. The left side mostly faces flat suburban sprawl with fewer distinct landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Traverse City to Chicago. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic bay departure from Traverse City and a Lake Michigan/Chicago skyline view on arrival, while the left side offers mostly flat, unremarkable Midwest terrain throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City?
During takeoff from Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing TVC to the southwest, the right side offers a good look back at Grand Traverse Bay and the West Arm of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs out over the water. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and forest typical of northern Michigan. Notable sights include: West Arm Grand Traverse Bay, Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City shoreline.
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. Arrivals into ORD from the northeast typically cross the southern end of Lake Michigan before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers a view of the lake and Chicago's skyline along the shoreline before the runway turn. The left side mostly faces flat suburban sprawl with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Navy Pier.
How long is the flight from Traverse City to Chicago?
The flight from Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 224 miles (360 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Traverse City to Chicago flight path pass over?
Southern Lake Michigan open water, distant Wisconsin shoreline haze