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ORD destination photo
CRW destination photo

ORDCRW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior for this route as it typically offers the most direct views of the Chicago skyline on departure and the iconic gold-domed West Virginia State Capitol during the approach into Charleston.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Aerial views of the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, and the Lake Michigan shoreline immediately after takeoff from O'Hare.

🏖️

Indiana Dunes

The sandy stretches and marshes along the southern tip of Lake Michigan as the flight heads southeast.

🏢

Columbus, Ohio

Clear views of the central Ohio landscape and the state's capital city skyline during the mid-flight cruise.

🏛️

West Virginia State Capitol

The stunning 23-karat gold-leaf dome of the capitol building is a landmark highlight during the final descent.

🌊

Kanawha River

The winding river valley that carves through the Appalachian Plateau into the heart of Charleston.

Sit on the left for the best chance of a skyline view if departing to the east over Lake Michigan. When landing at CRW, keep your camera ready for the gold-domed capitol building which usually appears on the left side about 2 to 3 minutes before touchdown. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the sun's glare on this side.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🌽

Midwestern Heartland

Expansive views of the geometric patterns of Indiana's agricultural heartland.

🌉

Ohio River Crossing

View the wide Ohio River near the border of Ohio and West Virginia as the terrain begins to ripple.

⛰️

Appalachian Ridges

Observation of the transition from flat plains to the heavily forested, rolling hills of the Appalachian Plateau.

✈️

Yeager Tabletop

A unique perspective of Yeager Airport's 'tabletop' construction, where mountaintops were leveled to create the runways.

The right side is perfect for observing the dramatic change in topography from flat farms to rugged mountains. For photographers, autumn flights (October-November) offer spectacular views of the changing foliage over the West Virginia hills. If the plane circles before landing, this side may also catch a glimpse of the university district.

Top Activities in Charleston
Route Information

Distance: 669 km (416 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min

Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)

Arrival: CRW (38.37310028076172, -81.59320068359375)

Route Type: Domestic

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