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ELP → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from El Paso International Airport (El Paso) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an exceptional view of the international border at takeoff and the iconic Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline during the final approach into O'Hare.
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Rio Grande & Juarez
Aerial perspective of the international border between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.
Guadalupe Mountains
Home to the highest point in Texas, visible as the flight heads northeast toward the plains.
Oklahoma City
The dense grid and downtown towers of Oklahoma's capital city during the mid-flight cruise.
Mississippi River
The massive waterway crossing near the Missouri-Illinois border, often busy with barge traffic.
Chicago Skyline
Breathtaking views of the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan if the plane enters ORD from the east.
The right side is essential for the Chicago skyline. For the most dramatic view, choose a flight arriving in the late afternoon; the sun will illuminate the city's skyscrapers against the blue of Lake Michigan. Be aware that landing patterns vary, but the right side most frequently captures the lakeshore.
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Franklin Mountains
Rugged desert peaks rising directly north of El Paso shortly after takeoff.
White Sands View
Glimmering white gypsum dunes of New Mexico visible on the horizon to the northwest.
Palo Duro Canyon
The 'Grand Canyon of Texas' near Amarillo, showcasing vibrant red clay and steep mesas.
Missouri River
Wide, winding river bends as the flight traverses the central United States.
Illinois Heartland
The intricate patchwork of agricultural fields and small farming communities in central Illinois.
Sit on the left for the best views of the high desert landscapes of New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the glare of the southern sun. During the descent, keep an eye out for the suburban sprawl of the Fox River Valley.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,988 km (1,235 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 39 min
Departure: ELP (31.80719948, -106.37799840000002)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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