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MEX → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a dramatic view of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains during departure and provides the iconic Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan panorama upon arrival.
Mexico City Downtown
Aerial view of the Zocalo and the dense urban grid of one of the world's largest metropolises.
Sierra Madre Oriental
Stunning views of the jagged limestone ridges and deep canyons of Mexico's eastern mountain range.
Gulf of Mexico Horizon
On clear days, the distant blue shimmer of the Gulf coast can be seen to the east while over Tamaulipas.
Mississippi River
The massive, winding waterway serves as a major landmark as the flight transitions toward the Great Lakes.
Chicago Skyline & Lake Michigan
The 'Money Shot' featuring the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the vast turquoise expanse of the lake on final approach.
Sit on the right for the best chance to see the Chicago skyline; flights often bank over Lake Michigan before landing west into ORD. For daytime flights, keep your window shade down during the middle portion of the trip to avoid the intense southern sun reflecting off the wing.
Nevado de Toluca
Distant views of the snow-capped volcano to the west of the Mexico City basin during the initial climb.
Central Mexican Plateau
Expansive views of the high-altitude desert landscapes and rugged terrain of northern Mexico.
Dallas-Fort Worth
Often visible as a massive urban sprawl when the flight path tracks through north-central Texas.
Ozark Plateau
The lush, rolling hills and dense forests of southern Missouri offer a green contrast to the plains.
Midwestern Patchwork
Perfectly geometric agricultural fields of Illinois, appearing as a vast green and gold quilt.
Choose this side for evening flights to witness spectacular sunsets over the Great Plains. During the winter, the snow-covered fields of the Midwest create a striking minimalist landscape. This side also avoids direct glare from the sun during morning northbound flights.
Distance: 2,719 km (1,690 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 38 min
Departure: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: International
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