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ORD → BMI
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (Bloomington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for this short hop as it typically offers a dramatic view of the Chicago skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline immediately after takeoff from O'Hare, followed by a detailed look at the suburban expansion into the Illinois prairie.
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Chicago Skyline
Breathtaking views of the Willis Tower and the dense cluster of downtown skyscrapers during the initial climb.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
The transition from the deep blue waters of the lake to the urban grid of the Windy City.
Soldier Field and Museum Campus
Clear views of the iconic lakeside landmarks if the flight path tracks slightly east before turning south.
The I-55 Corridor
Following the historic 'Route 66' path south, seeing the heavy logistics and transit hubs near Joliet.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to see the sunrise reflecting off the city glass. Keep your camera ready immediately after wheels up, as the most iconic views happen within the first five minutes. During autumn, the left side offers great views of the changing colors in the Cook County Forest Preserves.
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Fermilab Accelerator
The massive circular ring of the Tevatron particle accelerator in Batavia is easily visible from altitude.
Fox River Valley
The winding river through the western suburbs provides a break in the suburban sprawl.
Illinois Corn Belt
A geometric tapestry of vast agricultural fields that define the Central Illinois landscape.
O'Hare Western Terminal
A unique perspective of the massive airport infrastructure and runway systems during taxi and takeoff.
The right side is perfect for evening flights to catch the sunset over the flat Midwestern horizon. It's also the better side for spotting the unique circular structure of Fermilab. If the winds are from the south, you might see the sprawl of the western suburbs in greater detail during the descent into Bloomington.
Book Hotels in BloomingtonDistance: 187 km (116 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 19 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: BMI (40.47710037, -88.91590118)
Route Type: Domestic
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