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AVL → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Asheville Regional Airport (Asheville) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the clear winner for this route, offering the most dramatic arrival views of the Chicago skyline and the vast blue expanse of Lake Michigan during the descent.
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Blue Ridge Vistas
Aerial perspectives of the long, undulating ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains fading into a hazy horizon.
Ohio River Crossing
A scenic view of the wide Ohio River snaking through the landscape near the Kentucky and Ohio border.
Indianapolis Skyline
Distant views of the Indiana capital, including the recognizable dome of Lucas Oil Stadium.
Chicago Skyline
The flight's highlight: the iconic Sears (Willis) Tower and the dense cluster of skyscrapers in the Loop.
Lake Michigan Coastline
Stunning contrast between the deep turquoise of the lake and the sandy beaches and urban sprawl of the Gold Coast.
The right side is essential for the iconic Chicago arrival. As the plane descends into ORD, it often flies a pattern over Lake Michigan, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the skyline. For the best photography, choose a seat behind the wing to capture the winglets against the city, and aim for a late afternoon flight to see the city lights begin to glow.
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Pisgah National Forest
Immediately after takeoff, enjoy bird's-eye views of the rugged, densely forested peaks of western North Carolina.
Appalachian Plateau
Watch the dramatic transition as the high mountains give way to the rolling hills and plateaus of Eastern Kentucky.
Hoosier Farmlands
A vast geometric patchwork of Indiana agricultural land, showcasing perfectly gridded fields and rural homesteads.
Chicago Suburbs
A view of the immense sprawl of the western Chicagoland area and its complex interstate interchanges during the final approach.
Sit on the left if you prefer looking at the sun-drenched Appalachian peaks during morning flights. It also provides a better view of the 'Great American Patchwork' of farms across the Midwest. To avoid glare during the midday sun, this side is generally more shaded on a northbound flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 863 km (536 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: AVL (35.43619918823242, -82.54180145263672)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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