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ORD → CHO
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (Charlottesville VA)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for its breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline and the vast blue expanse of Lake Michigan during departure, followed by the scenic sweep of the Shenandoah Valley on the approach to Charlottesville.
Search flights from ORD to CHO
Chicago Skyline
Unrivaled views of the Willis Tower and the downtown skyscrapers if departing towards the east.
Lake Michigan
The dramatic shoreline and the gradient of blue water as the plane turns southeast.
Allegheny Mountains
The first sightings of the Appalachian chain rising out of the eastern plains.
Shenandoah Valley
A beautiful patchwork of farms and historic towns nestled between mountain ridges.
Sit on the left for departures to catch the 'Bean' and Navy Pier. Morning flights are ideal as the sun rises over the lake, illuminating the Chicago skyline. During the fall, the transition from the flat Midwest to the colorful Appalachian foliage is spectacular from this side.
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Midwest Grid
The mesmerizing geometric patterns of Indiana and Ohio's agricultural heartland.
Ohio River
The winding path of the mighty Ohio River as it snakes through the tri-state area.
Appalachian Ridges
The distinctive 'fold and thrust' geological formations of the West Virginia mountains.
Virginia Wine Country
The rolling hills and vineyards of Albemarle County visible during the final descent.
The right side offers the best view of the rugged, corrugated terrain of West Virginia. In the afternoon, the sun will be on this side, so close your shades if you want to avoid glare, but keep them open for the approach into CHO to see the historic estates and horse farms of Central Virginia.
Book Hotels in Charlottesville VADistance: 910 km (565 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: CHO (38.13859939575195, -78.4529037475586)
Route Type: Domestic
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