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ORD → ABQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Albuquerque International Sunport (Albuquerque)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side provides a superior perspective of the dramatic transition from the Midwest plains to the rugged Sangre de Cristo and Sandia Mountains during the descent.
Search flights from ORD to ABQ
O'Hare Layout
Detailed aerial views of the complex runway systems and terminal architecture during takeoff.
Missouri River
Sweeping views of the river's winding path through the rolling hills of the central United States.
Sangre de Cristo
The southern tip of the Rocky Mountains rising sharply from the plains as you enter New Mexico territory.
Sandia Crest
The dramatic 10,678-foot granite peak that towers over the city of Albuquerque on the final approach.
High Desert Mesas
A stunning landscape of volcanic basalt flows and red rock mesas surrounding the Rio Grande Valley.
The right side is essential for sunset arrivals; the 'Alpenglow' effect turns the Sandia Mountains a deep watermelon pink. Focus your attention out the window during the final 20 minutes of the flight for the best mountain views. Request a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Sangre de Cristo range.
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Chicago Suburbs
Expansive views of the Chicagoland area and the distant Lake Michigan shoreline during departure.
Heartland Grid
The intricate, geometric patchwork of the Illinois and Iowa agricultural heartland.
Mississippi River
A major crossing over the iconic river, often seen near the Illinois-Iowa border.
Llano Estacado
The stark, flat beauty of the high-altitude mesas as the flight crosses into the Texas Panhandle.
Center-Pivot Irrigation
Distinctive circular green patterns visible across the high plains of western Kansas and New Mexico.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid glare. This side offers better views of the southern plains' unique circular farming patterns and the vastness of the Llano Estacado. During winter, look for the stark contrast of snow on the flat fields of Iowa.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,796 km (1,116 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)
Route Type: Domestic
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