ORD

Best window seat landing at Chicago Ohare International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

LandingLEFT

Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline

🛬 Landing at Chicago (ORD)

Best sideLeft
WhyWhen traffic flow has arrivals coming in from the east on the 27 runways (common with west winds), the approach path passes just south of downtown Chicago before turning onto final. That puts the skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline on the left side of the aircraft during descent.
Look forChicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway Airport in the distance, suburban grid of the western suburbs
Left window seat view during landing at Chicago (ORD), Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway Airport in the distance, suburban grid of the western suburbsLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Chicago (ORD), Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway Airport in the distance, suburban grid of the western suburbsRight Side
ChicagoPhoto: Qiang Lai

O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world with four terminals handling domestic and international traffic. The airport features eight runways oriented primarily east-west, allowing efficient operations in Chicago's prevailing wind patterns.

⛰️ Elevation669 ft
🛫 Runways8 (10L/28R, 09R/27L, 09C/27C, 10C/28C, 04R/22L, 04L/22R, 09L/27R, 10R/28L)
✈️ HubUnited Airlines, American Airlines
📍 NearbyMDW 16 miGYY 35 miMGC 59 miRFD 63 miMKE 67 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?

When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. When traffic flow has arrivals coming in from the east on the 27 runways (common with west winds), the approach path passes just south of downtown Chicago before turning onto final. That puts the skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline on the left side of the aircraft during descent. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway Airport in the distance, suburban grid of the western suburbs.

What can I see when arriving at Chicago?

Arriving at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago, passengers on the Left side enjoy views of Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway Airport in the distance, suburban grid of the western suburbs. When traffic flow has arrivals coming in from the east on the 27 runways (common with west winds), the approach path passes just south of downtown Chicago before turning onto final. That puts the skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline on the left side of the aircraft during descent.

What factors affect the best window seat landing at Chicago Ohare International?

The best window seat landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD) depends on several factors: the approach path and runway in use, geographic features around Chicago (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening arrivals often offer the best lighting.