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ORD → COS
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (Colorado Springs)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides showcase the transition from the lush Midwest to the high desert, the Right Side is superior for its majestic views of the Colorado Front Range and the massive silhouette of Pikes Peak during the descent.
Search flights from ORD to COS
Chicago Skyline
If the flight departs toward the east and banks west, you will see the Sears Tower and Lake Michigan.
Missouri River
The winding 'Big Muddy' is visible as you pass near the Omaha or Council Bluffs area.
Nebraska Sandhills
The northern horizon showcases the unique, rolling grass-stabilized dunes of central Nebraska.
Front Range Rockies
The sudden dramatic wall of the Rocky Mountains rising from the flat plains is a breathtaking sight.
Pikes Peak
The 14,115-foot landmark known as 'America's Mountain' dominates the view during arrival.
This is the best side for mountain lovers. For late afternoon or evening flights, you will get spectacular sunset views over the Rockies. As you descend into Colorado Springs, look north to spot Longs Peak in the distance, followed by the jagged Garden of the Gods rock formations closer to the airport.
Book Hotels in Colorado SpringsChicago Western Suburbs
The dense, sprawling grid of the Chicagoland area slowly transitions into the Illinois prairie.
Mississippi River
A prominent crossing as the flight leaves Illinois and enters the rolling hills of Iowa.
Iowa Farmland
Striking geometric patterns of corn and soybean fields that define the American Heartland.
Wichita or Kansas City
Depending on the specific flight path, these major Midwestern hubs are often visible to the south.
Cheyenne Mountain
Visible just south of Colorado Springs, home to the famous NORAD bunker complex.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid glare. Keep an eye out for the Mississippi River about 45 minutes into the flight. On the final approach into COS, you will have a great view of the southern plains of Colorado and the distinctive 'Dragon's Back' of Cheyenne Mountain.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,463 km (909 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 57 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: COS (38.805801, -104.700996)
Route Type: Domestic
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