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OAK → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Sierra Nevada's crown jewel, Lake Tahoe, and the distinct geological features of the Great Salt Lake and northern Nevada basins.
Search flights from OAK to ORD
Napa Valley
Aerial views of the lush vineyards and rolling hills of California's premier wine country shortly after takeoff.
Lake Tahoe
A stunning view of the largest alpine lake in North America, nestled between the Sierra Nevada peaks.
Great Salt Lake
The expansive, multi-colored waters and the white expanse of the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
Great Basin Desert
The unique 'basin and range' topography of Nevada, featuring stark mountain ridges separated by flat valleys.
Mississippi River
A clear view of the winding waterway that marks the border between Iowa and Illinois.
North Chicago Suburbs
Detailed views of the North Shore and the Lake Michigan shoreline if approaching O'Hare from the north.
For the best visibility, choose a seat toward the front of the plane to avoid engine heat distortion. This side is particularly spectacular during midday flights when the sun is high, illuminating the deep blues of Lake Tahoe and the crystalline textures of the Utah salt flats.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesSan Francisco Skyline
A panoramic view of the Bay Bridge, Salesforce Tower, and the downtown San Francisco core during departure.
Yosemite National Park
Distant but recognizable views of the High Sierra granite peaks and the iconic glacial valleys to the south.
Canyonlands
The intricate, red-hued carvings of the Colorado River and the rugged desert plateaus of southern Utah.
Colorado Rockies
The dramatic rise of the Front Range as the flight transitions from high mountain peaks to the Great Plains.
The Heartland
Geometric patterns of the American Corn Belt, looking like a massive green and gold quilt from 35,000 feet.
Chicago Skyline
If the wind dictates an approach from the west, this side provides an incredible view of the Willis Tower and downtown.
The right side is excellent for city lovers, offering potential views of both the SF and Chicago skylines. On early morning flights, the sun will be on this side of the aircraft, so keep your window shade partially closed to avoid glare until you reach the Midwest.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 2,947 km (1,831 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 56 min
Departure: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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