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ORD → CAE
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (Columbia)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the iconic Chicago skyline upon departure and a higher probability of seeing the major metropolitan hubs and the dramatic eastern ridges of the Appalachian Mountains.
Chicago Skyline
Unmatched views of the Willis Tower and the lakefront skyline if departing toward the east or south.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
The transition from the urban grid to the vast blue expanse of the Great Lakes.
Cincinnati Metro
Aerial perspective of the Ohio River and the downtown area of the Queen City.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Sweeping views of the rolling blue-tinted ridges of the Appalachian range.
Charlotte Skyline
A clear view of the Uptown Charlotte skyscrapers during the final descent phase.
Book an 'A' window seat for the best Chicago skyline views. If flying in the late afternoon, the sun will be on the opposite side, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Appalachians without glare. Watch for the Ohio River crossing roughly 40 minutes into the flight.
Indianapolis Surroundings
Views of the dense urban sprawl of central Indiana and potentially the Motor Speedway.
Ohio River Meanders
Deep bends and river traffic along the border of Indiana and Kentucky.
Cumberland Plateau
Rugged, forested terrain and deep valleys characteristic of eastern Tennessee.
Pisgah National Forest
Dense canopy views and the foothills of the southern Appalachian chain.
Lake Murray
The massive reservoir and Dreher Island State Park just west of Columbia on final approach.
The right side is ideal for sunset views when traveling south in the evening. Keep your eyes peeled as you descend into CAE; Lake Murray is the primary landmark on the right. In autumn, this side offers a spectacular palette of fall foliage over the Kentucky and Tennessee forests.
Distance: 1,073 km (667 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: CAE (33.93880081176758, -81.11949920654297)
Route Type: Domestic
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