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IAH → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic views during the final approach. As planes typically fly east over Lake Michigan before turning back west to land at O'Hare, the left side faces the world-renowned Chicago skyline, providing a perfect view of the Willis Tower and the lakefront.
Search flights from IAH to ORD
Sam Houston National Forest
Lush green canopies of East Texas visible shortly after departure from Houston.
The Ozarks
Rolling hills and dense woodlands of the Ozark National Forest across northern Arkansas.
St. Louis Skyline
Look for the Gateway Arch and the urban center of St. Louis as the flight crosses into Illinois.
Midwestern Heartland
Vast geometric patterns of Illinois farmland stretching toward the horizon in shades of green and gold.
Chicago Loop
Panoramic views of the skyscrapers and Millennium Park during the final descent from the lake.
For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to avoid engine obstruction. On evening flights, the left side will catch the sunset over the Great Plains, followed by the spectacular light display of downtown Chicago. In winter, keep an eye out for frozen patterns on the Mississippi River.
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Get eSIMs for United States
Lake Livingston
A massive, sprawling reservoir visible early in the flight as you head north through Texas.
Arkansas River Valley
Wide, muddy bends of the river cutting through the southern plains and timberlands.
The Mississippi River
Dramatic aerial views of the massive river system marking the border between Missouri and Illinois.
Port of Chicago
Industrial landscapes and massive shipping docks on the southern edge of the city near the lake.
Lake Michigan
The deep blue, sea-like expanse of the lake as the aircraft maneuvers for its final approach vector.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. While you might miss the main skyline, you will get a clearer view of the Navy Pier and the northern residential shoreline of Lake Michigan. During high-traffic periods, you can often spot other aircraft in the ORD arrival queue to the east.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 1,491 km (926 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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