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ATW â ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Appleton International Airport (Appleton) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning vantage point of Lake Winnebago immediately after takeoff and a continuous view of the Lake Michigan shoreline, including the Milwaukee and Chicago skylines on clear days.
Lake Winnebago
Massive freshwater lake seen shortly after departure from Appleton, showcasing the scale of Wisconsin's largest inland lake.
Milwaukee Skyline
Clear views of downtown Milwaukee and the distinct white architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum along the coast.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
The dramatic transition from the deep blue of the Great Lake to the sandy bluffs and coastal towns of Wisconsin and Illinois.
Chicago Skyline
On the final descent into ORD, the iconic Willis Tower and the dense skyscrapers of the Loop are often visible to the southeast.
Port of Milwaukee
Industrial activity and shipping vessels visible near the confluence of the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers.
Book a window seat on the left (Port) side for morning flights to catch the sunrise reflecting off Lake Michigan. As the flight is very short (approx. 40-50 minutes), stay alert immediately after takeoff for the Fox River valley views. During winter, look for ice formations along the lakeshore which create intricate patterns from above.
Wisconsin Farmland
A geometric patchwork of agricultural fields and small dairy farms characteristic of the Midwest landscape.
Horicon Marsh
One of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States, visible as a vast green and brown wetland area to the west.
Suburban Chicago
The dense, organized grid of the Northwest suburbs like Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates as you approach O'Hare.
O'Hare Layout
Excellent views of the massive runway infrastructure and terminal complexes during the final banking maneuvers.
The right side is preferable for evening flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun over the lake. It provides a better sense of the 'Chicagoland' sprawl. Watch for the I-90 corridor which serves as a navigational landmark during the descent into the O'Hare airport complex.
Distance: 258 km (160 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 26 min
Departure: ATW (44.258098602299995, -88.51909637450001)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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