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ALB → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Albany International Airport (Albany) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side provides a stunning sequence of Great Lakes views, a high-altitude perspective of Niagara Falls, and the iconic aerial approach into Chicago over Lake Michigan.
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Lake Ontario
Expansive views of the smallest Great Lake to the north, often reflecting the sky in deep blue.
Niagara Falls
Look for the tell-tale plume of mist rising from the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Detroit & Windsor
The international border crossing at the Detroit River, showing both the US and Canadian skylines.
Lake Michigan Crossing
A vast blue expanse that signals the final segment of the journey before entering Illinois airspace.
Chicago Skyline
The most iconic aerial view of the Willis Tower and Hancock Building as the plane turns over the lake for arrival.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. Aim for a seat behind the wing for a clear view of the ground. Keep your camera ready about 45 minutes into the flight for Niagara Falls. During the approach to O'Hare, the flight often follows a pattern over Lake Michigan that offers a panoramic view of the entire Chicago skyline to the right.
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Finger Lakes
Deep, narrow glacial lakes stretching southward through the rolling hills of Central New York.
Rochester
Views of the Genesee River and the 'Flower City' urban center near the Lake Ontario shoreline.
Erie Waterfront
The industrial docks and the unique arching sandspit of Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania.
Cleveland Coastline
The downtown skyline, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the lakefront stadiums.
Chicago Museum Campus
Possible views of Soldier Field and the Adler Planetarium during the final descent from the south.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is superior for observing the geological patterns of the Finger Lakes and the urban sprawl of the Rust Belt cities. Watch closely about 20-30 minutes after departure for the best views of the glacial lake formations.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,161 km (721 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: ALB (42.74829864501953, -73.80169677734375)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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