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BZN → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Gallatin Field (Bozeman) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers superior views of the dramatic mountain ranges south of Bozeman and the iconic geological formations of the Black Hills and Badlands in South Dakota.
Search flights from BZN to ORD
Gallatin Range
Stunning snow-capped peaks and the Spanish Peaks wilderness visible shortly after departure from BZN.
Black Hills
The dark, forested rise of the Black Hills in South Dakota, appearing as an island of green in the plains.
Badlands National Park
The striking, eroded buttes and pinnacles of the South Dakota Badlands offer incredible textures from above.
Missouri River
The winding 'Big Muddy' provides a distinct geographic landmark as you cross into South Dakota and Nebraska.
Iowa Farmland
Perfect geometric grids of corn and soybean fields that define the American heartland.
Chicago Suburbs
Densely packed urban sprawl and regional parks as the aircraft descends into the busy O'Hare airspace.
The right side is the winner for geological variety. It provides the best angle for the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness early on. If flying in late afternoon, the low sun angle highlights the dramatic textures of the Badlands' erosion. Be sure to look for Mount Rushmore near Rapid City, though it appears very small from cruising altitude.
Book Hotels in ChicagoBridger Range
Visible immediately after takeoff, these mountains provide a sharp, rocky backdrop to the Gallatin Valley.
Northern Great Plains
Vast stretches of Montana and North Dakota farmland with unique circular irrigation patterns.
Mississippi River
The major geographic divide between the central plains and the midwest, often crossed near Dubuque.
Chicago Skyline
On a typical easterly approach into O'Hare, the left side offers a stunning view of Willis Tower and the lakefront.
Lake Michigan
The deep blue expanse of the lake is often visible during the final descent and banking maneuvers.
Sit on the left if you want a chance to see the Chicago skyline during the arrival pattern, especially if the flight approaches from over Lake Michigan. Morning flights provide excellent front-lighting for the mountain ranges near Bozeman. Watch for the 'patchwork' effect of the midwestern farms during the second half of the flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,903 km (1,182 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 32 min
Departure: BZN (45.77750015, -111.1529999)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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