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ORD destination photo
AUS destination photo

ORDAUS

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior primarily for the departure, offering iconic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, followed by the Mississippi River crossing.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Breathtaking views of the Willis Tower and the dense downtown Loop immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Lake Michigan

The vast blue expanse of the lake is visible during the initial ascent and departure maneuvers.

🌉

Mississippi River

A clear crossing of the United States' most famous waterway near the Missouri border.

🏞️

Arkansas River

Winding blue ribbons of water cutting through the lush greenery of the mid-south.

🏙️

Downtown Austin

During a southern approach to AUS, the left side often captures the rapidly growing Austin skyline.

Sit on the left (Window A) for the best chance of seeing the Willis Tower and Navy Pier. On morning flights, you will have the sun behind you, providing excellent lighting for photos of the Chicago skyline and the Mississippi River. During the final descent into Austin, keep your camera ready for the downtown high-rises if the wind is from the south.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
✈️

O'Hare Complex

A bird's-eye view of one of the world's busiest airport infrastructures during takeoff.

🌳

Ozark Mountains

Rolling, heavily forested hills and deep valleys across Missouri and northern Arkansas.

🌾

Midwest Farmland

Intricate geometric patterns of Illinois and Missouri agriculture in vibrant greens and golds.

🌊

Red River

The distinctively reddish-tinted water marking the geographic border between Oklahoma and Texas.

⛰️

Texas Hill Country

Rugged limestone terrain and scrub-oak landscapes visible during the descent into Central Texas.

Choose the right side (Window F) to avoid the direct glare of the setting sun on late afternoon or evening flights. This side provides a better view of the rugged Ozark National Forest mid-flight. For aviation enthusiasts, the right side often offers a great look at the various terminals and runways of ORD during taxi and departure.

Top Activities in Austin
Route Information

Distance: 1,575 km (979 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 6 min

Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)

Arrival: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)

Route Type: Domestic

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