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ELM → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Elmira Corning Regional Airport (Elmira) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the industrial coastlines of Lake Erie and provides the most iconic views of the Chicago skyline during the standard approach into O'Hare.
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Allegany State Park
Dense forested ridges and rolling hills of the Southern Tier shortly after takeoff from Elmira.
Cleveland Waterfront
Views of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the downtown skyline along the Lake Erie shore.
Gary Industrial Belt
Massive steel mills and heavy industrial infrastructure lining the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Chicago Skyline
A stunning perspective of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers during the approach to ORD.
Soldier Field
The historic stadium and Museum Campus visible as the plane turns for its final descent.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Chicago skyline. Most flights into ORD approach from the east; if you land on the 27 or 28 runways, the city will be directly out your window. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting for the urban landscapes of Ohio and Indiana without the sun's glare.
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Finger Lakes
Early flight views of the southern tips of Seneca and Keuka Lakes in New York.
Lake Erie Expanse
Vast blue waters and commercial shipping vessels traversing the Great Lakes.
Cedar Point
Distant views of the famous amusement park peninsula sticking into Lake Erie near Sandusky.
Indiana Dunes
The unique sandy shoreline and protected parklands at the southern end of Lake Michigan.
O'Hare Terminals
An aerial view of the complex runway system and terminal architecture upon landing.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun. While you might miss the downtown Chicago skyline, you get a broader view of the Great Lakes' vastness and the intricate layout of O'Hare's airfield upon arrival. Watch for the 'Lake Effect' clouds which often create dramatic formations over the water in autumn.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 909 km (565 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min
Departure: ELM (42.1599006652832, -76.8916015625)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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