About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Knoxville to Chicago. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — the Smoky Mountains on departure and the Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan on approach. During the cruise over Kentucky and Indiana, the left side also faces slightly more toward populated river valleys and the Ohio River crossing.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Ghee Tyson in Knoxville?
During takeoff from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS), sit on the Left side for the best views. TYS typically departs on Runway 23L heading southwest before turning northwest toward Chicago. The left side captures the Great Smoky Mountains to the southeast, including the ridgelines of the Smokies and the French Broad River valley below. The Tennessee Valley and Knoxville's urban grid are also visible on the left during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Great Smoky Mountains ridgelines to the southeast, French Broad River valley, Tennessee River and Fort Loudoun Lake, Knoxville urban grid.
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. ORD typically lands on runways heading east or southeast, meaning the left side faces north and northeast toward Lake Michigan's southern shoreline and the Chicago lakefront. The left seat gets a clear view of the Chicago downtown skyline, the lakefront, and the southern curve of Lake Michigan as the aircraft descends from the west. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, southern Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River corridor, O'Hare suburban grid of the northwest suburbs.
How long is the flight from Knoxville to Chicago?
The flight from Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
What does the Knoxville to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Ridge and Valley terrain of eastern Tennessee, then transitions over the Cumberland Plateau and the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. The Ohio River crossing near Louisville or Cincinnati is visible depending on exact routing. Northern Kentucky and southern Indiana are characterized by flat to gently rolling agricultural land. The Wabash River valley crosses the path in Indiana before the flat Illinois farmland leads into the Chicago metro area.