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ORD destination photo
CAE destination photo

ORDCAE

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏎️

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.

Top Activities in Columbia
Route Information

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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