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ABQ → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Albuquerque International Sunport (Albuquerque) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular departure view of the Sandia Mountains and typically provides the iconic aerial perspective of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan during the final approach into O'Hare.
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Sandia Peak
Dramatic granite cliffs towering over Albuquerque, visible immediately after takeoff on eastward departures.
Chicago Skyline
Unparalleled views of the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, and the dense urban core during the ORD arrival.
Lake Michigan
The deep blue expanse of the lake, often featuring cargo ships and a crisp shoreline during the landing pattern.
Illinois River
Significant waterway winding through central Illinois toward the Mississippi.
Sit on the right for the best chance of seeing the Chicago skyline; flights frequently enter a 'downwind' leg that flies parallel to the city over the lake. Morning flights on this side will be very sunny, so bring sunglasses for the initial climb out of ABQ.
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Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains, often snow-capped during winter and spring months.
Midwestern Tapestry
The intricate 'patchwork quilt' of agricultural fields across Kansas and Iowa, showcasing diverse crop colors.
Mississippi River Crossing
A wide, winding segment of North America's largest river system near the Iowa-Illinois border.
Central Illinois Plains
Vast, flat agricultural landscapes that define the heart of the American corn belt.
The left side is superior for viewing the northern New Mexico mountain ranges early in the flight. In the afternoon, this side is generally shaded, reducing window glare for photographers. Look for the Missouri River near Kansas City about halfway through the journey.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,796 km (1,116 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min
Departure: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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