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GSO destination photo
ORD destination photo

GSOORD

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is the clear winner for this route, offering an iconic view of the Chicago skyline including the Willis Tower and the Lake Michigan shoreline during the final approach into O'Hare.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

The Triad Area

Excellent views of Greensboro and Winston-Salem's city layouts immediately following takeoff.

⛰️

Appalachian Ridges

Aerial views of the rolling, forested ridges of the Appalachian Mountains through West Virginia.

🏎️

Indianapolis Metro

Potential sightings of the 'Racing Capital of the World' and the dense grid of the Indiana state capital.

🏙️

Chicago Skyline

The premier highlight of the trip, featuring a panoramic view of the Loop and downtown skyscrapers on the final descent.

🏟️

Soldier Field

The historic stadium and the Museum Campus are often visible as the plane maneuvers toward the airport.

Choose a window seat on the left (typically 'A' seats) for the best chance to see the Chicago skyline. For evening flights, this side avoids the direct glare of the setting sun, making it easier to spot landmarks and take photos. Keep your camera ready as the plane enters the Illinois airspace, as the descent into ORD often includes a scenic loop around the city.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Pilot Mountain

A unique quartzite monadnock with a distinctive rounded top visible shortly after leaving North Carolina.

🌊

New River Gorge

The deep canyons and winding waters of the New River as you cross into the mountainous West Virginia territory.

🌉

Ohio River

A major geographic marker where the rugged terrain of the east transitions into the flat farmlands of the Midwest.

🏖️

Indiana Dunes

The sandy shores and industrial ports along the southern tip of Lake Michigan just before landing.

🌊

Lake Michigan

The vast, ocean-like expanse of the lake, providing a serene blue backdrop during the arrival phase.

The right side ('F' seats) is superior for seeing the geography of the Appalachian foothills and the Lake Michigan shoreline. If you are flying in winter, watch for ice floes along the southern edge of the lake. During morning flights, the lighting on this side is spectacular for capturing the textures of the mountains and the reflection on the water.

Top Activities in Chicago
Route Information

Distance: 948 km (589 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min

Departure: GSO (36.097801208496094, -79.93730163574219)

Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)

Route Type: Domestic

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