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ORD → CMI
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to University of Illinois Willard Airport (Champaign)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Chicago skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline immediately after takeoff from O'Hare, followed by a clear view of the University of Illinois campus upon arrival.
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Chicago Skyline
Unmatched views of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers during the initial climb out of O'Hare.
Lake Michigan
The vast blue expanse of the lake is visible as the plane tracks south along the shoreline.
UIUC Campus
On the descent into CMI, see Memorial Stadium and the State Farm Center on the southern edge of campus.
Farmland Grid
The perfectly rectangular patterns of the Illinois agricultural heartland create a massive green and gold patchwork.
Industrial Gary
The steel mills and heavy industrial landscape of northwest Indiana are visible across the water.
Sit on the left for the best chance of seeing the Chicago skyline after takeoff. Morning flights provide excellent lighting as the sun illuminates the city from the east. During descent into CMI, watch for the distinct architecture of the University of Illinois campus landmarks.
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Midway Airport
Look straight down to see the unique X-shaped runway configuration of Chicago's second major airport.
Wind Farms
Large clusters of wind turbines near Paxton and Rantoul are highly visible during the cruise phase.
I-57 Corridor
The plane frequently follows the path of the Interstate 57 highway, a major artery connecting Chicago to the south.
Suburban Sprawl
Detailed views of the western and southern Chicago suburbs as the plane transitions from metro to rural areas.
The right side is ideal for spotting regional wind farms and the I-57 highway. This side is better for evening flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun as you travel south. Look for the massive logistics hubs and warehouses near Joliet during the first 10 minutes of flight.
Book Hotels in ChampaignDistance: 218 km (135 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 22 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: CMI (40.03919983, -88.27809906)
Route Type: Domestic
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