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ORD → BHM
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Birmingham)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers the most iconic views, including the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan immediately after takeoff from ORD, followed by a direct view of Nashville's cityscape and the Tennessee River during the cruise and descent phases.
Search flights from ORD to BHM
Chicago Skyline
Unparalleled views of Willis Tower and the lakefront skyscrapers if departing south or east.
Lake Michigan
The vast blue expanse of the Great Lakes bordering the Illinois and Indiana shoreline.
Nashville Metro
A clear view of the 'Music City' skyline and the Cumberland River as the flight transits Tennessee.
Tennessee River
Deep blue water loops and the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge near the Alabama border.
Appalachian Foothills
The rolling green terrain of the southernmost Appalachian Mountains as you approach central Alabama.
For the best experience, choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. On morning flights, the left side provides excellent lighting for photos of the Chicago skyline. Keep your camera ready within the first 5 minutes of takeoff for the best urban shots.
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Midwestern Patchwork
Intricate geometric patterns of Illinois and Indiana farmland stretching to the horizon.
I-65 Corridor
The main artery of the South, frequently visible as the flight tracks the highway path.
Bankhead National Forest
A massive expanse of dense deciduous forest in Northern Alabama, especially vibrant in autumn.
Downtown Birmingham
Close-up views of the Magic City's financial district and Sloss Furnaces during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the Mississippi Valley to the west. During landing at BHM, the right side often provides a better perspective of the Vulcan Statue atop Red Mountain if the plane approaches from the north.
Book Hotels in BirminghamDistance: 941 km (585 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: BHM (33.56290054, -86.75350189)
Route Type: Domestic
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