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MSN → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Dane County Regional Truax Field (Madison) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior as it offers the iconic view of the Chicago skyline and the vast horizon of Lake Michigan during the descent into O'Hare.
Search flights from MSN to ORD
Lake Monona
A stunning view of Madison's southern lake immediately after takeoff, often reflecting the morning sun.
Janesville Hub
The industrial and transit infrastructure of southern Wisconsin is highly visible mid-flight.
Chicago Skyline
On clear days, the Willis Tower and Hancock Center are visible on the horizon during the descent.
Lake Michigan
The deep blue expanse of the Great Lake appears to the east as the plane aligns for the ORD approach.
O'Hare Runway Complex
A fascinating view of the intricate taxiway and runway systems of one of the world's busiest airports.
The right side is the best choice for evening flights to see the 'grid' of Chicago lights and the glowing skyline. During the descent, look east to spot the shoreline. On a clear day, you can often see all the way to the Indiana Dunes across the lake.
Book Hotels in ChicagoMadison Isthmus
Unparalleled views of the Wisconsin State Capitol and the narrow strip of land between the two major lakes.
UW-Madison Campus
A clear bird's-eye view of Camp Randall Stadium and the University of Wisconsin lakefront properties.
Wisconsin Farmland
A geometric tapestry of dairy farms and cornfields that define the southern Wisconsin landscape.
Fox River
Watch the winding path of the Fox River as the flight transitions from Wisconsin into the Illinois prairie.
Northwest Suburbs
The dense residential grids of Palatine and Arlington Heights as you enter the Chicago metropolitan area.
Choose the left side for the best departure views of downtown Madison. This side is particularly scenic in the morning when the sun illuminates the Capitol dome and the Madison lakes from the east. In winter, the frozen patterns on Lake Mendota are a highlight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 174 km (108 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 17 min
Departure: MSN (43.13990020751953, -89.3375015258789)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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