Loading map...
ORD → ALO
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Waterloo Regional Airport (Waterloo)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Lake Michigan shoreline during departure and a slightly more scenic perspective of the Mississippi River valley and the Driftless Area terrain.
Search flights from ORD to ALO
Lake Michigan
Excellent views of the deep blue waters and the North Shore suburbs immediately after takeoff.
O'Hare Airport
A birds-eye view of the massive runway infrastructure and terminal layout of ORD upon departure.
Mississippi River Valley
Dramatic views of the river bluffs and the winding main channel as the flight enters Iowa airspace.
Cedar River
The meandering river that flows through the heart of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area.
Sit on this side for the best chance to see the 'Driftless Area' terrain, which is more rugged and hilly than the surrounding plains. During winter months, the frozen Mississippi River creates stunning white patterns. Sunset flights offer a beautiful glow over the Cedar River as you descend into ALO.
Book Hotels in Waterloo
Chicago Skyline
Distant views of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers during the initial ascent from O'Hare.
Illinois Heartland
Vast stretches of perfectly gridded farmland that showcase the agricultural scale of the Midwest.
Mississippi River
A major crossing point of the historic river, often seen near the Savanna or Quad Cities region.
Choose a seat in front of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. This side is particularly scenic during morning flights when the sun is behind you, illuminating the Illinois and Iowa fields without glare. Look for the distinct geometric patterns of the wind farms in Northern Illinois.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 375 km (233 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 38 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: ALO (42.55709838867188, -92.40029907226562)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.