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ORD destination photo
ABE destination photo

ORDABE

Our Recommendation
8.4

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the most dramatic views of the Appalachian mountain folds and the southern shoreline of Lake Michigan without the glare of the southern sun during afternoon flights.

Left Side Highlights
8.4
🌊

Lake Michigan Shoreline

Vibrant views of the Indiana Dunes and the transition from urban Chicago to the Great Lakes coast.

🏙️

Cleveland and Lake Erie

On clear days, the distant skyline of Cleveland and the vast blue expanse of Lake Erie are visible to the north.

⛰️

Appalachian Ridge-and-Valley

Spectacular aerial views of the distinct, wave-like mountain formations of central Pennsylvania.

🌊

Susquehanna River

A massive, winding river crossing featuring numerous small islands near the transition to the Lehigh Valley.

🌲

Pocono Foothills

Lush, forested hills that mark the beginning of the final descent into the Allentown area.

Opt for the left side on evening flights to avoid direct sunlight and heat. The most impressive geographic features appear about 20 minutes before landing as you cross over the Appalachian ridges. In autumn, this side offers the best view of the changing foliage across the Pennsylvania mountains.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏢

Chicago Skyline

A breathtaking view of the Willis Tower and the Loop shortly after takeoff if departing toward the east.

🏭

Gary Industrial Zone

The massive, intricate layout of steel mills and heavy industry at the southern tip of Lake Michigan.

🌽

Midwestern Grid

The perfectly geometric patterns of Indiana and Ohio farmlands stretching to the horizon.

⛰️

Allegheny Plateau

Deeply carved river valleys and more rugged, plateaued terrain as the flight enters Pennsylvania.

🏘️

Lehigh Valley Suburbs

Close-up views of the suburban expansion and rolling hills surrounding Bethlehem and Allentown.

The right side is best for morning departures to capture the Chicago skyline in soft light. Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff, as the urban sprawl of northern Indiana passes quickly. Be aware that southern exposure can make this side quite warm on summer afternoon flights.

Top Activities in Allentown
Route Information

Distance: 1,050 km (652 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min

Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)

Arrival: ABE (40.652099609375, -75.44080352783203)

Route Type: Domestic

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