Loading map...
CMI → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from University of Illinois Willard Airport (Champaign) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan during the descent into O'Hare, along with the UIUC campus right after takeoff.
Search flights from CMI to ORD
UIUC Campus
Clear views of the University of Illinois buildings and Memorial Stadium shortly after departure.
Chicago Skyline
A spectacular panorama of the Willis Tower and the downtown Loop area during the northern approach.
Lake Michigan
The deep blue horizon of the Great Lake meeting the urban shoreline.
Kankakee River
A scenic waterway crossing midpoint through the short journey north.
O'Hare Layout
An intricate view of one of the world's most complex airfield and terminal systems upon landing.
The right side is the clear winner for sightseeing. Aim for a window seat behind the wing to ensure the skyline isn't blocked by the engine. On evening flights, the Magnificent Mile and skyline lights are breathtaking. Be prepared for a quick view, as the descent into ORD happens rapidly given the short flight time.
Book Hotels in Chicago
Illinois Farmland
Vast, geometric patterns of corn and soybean fields stretching to the horizon.
Western Suburbs
Bird's-eye view of the dense residential layouts of Naperville and Aurora.
Fox River
The winding river valley cutting through the suburban landscape toward the end of the flight.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is ideal for observing the grid system of American agriculture and the sprawling development of Chicago's western collar counties. Best visibility occurs in autumn when harvest patterns are visible from above.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 218 km (135 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 22 min
Departure: CMI (40.03919983, -88.27809906)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.