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ORD → DSM
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the Mississippi River crossing at the Quad Cities and the sprawling urban layout of Iowa City.
Search flights from ORD to DSM
Chicago Western Suburbs
View the dense residential patterns of Aurora and Naperville shortly after takeoff.
Mississippi River
Cross the historic river at the Quad Cities, seeing the bridges connecting Illinois and Iowa.
Iowa City
Look for the University of Iowa campus and the iconic Kinnick Stadium from cruising altitude.
Rolling Farmland
Witness the vast, geometric patchwork of the Midwestern agricultural heartland.
Sit on this side during morning flights to keep the sun behind the aircraft for better visibility. The Mississippi River crossing is the scenic highlight; look for the distinct 'S' curve near Davenport about halfway through the flight. In winter, the frozen river patterns are particularly photogenic.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Fox River Valley
Follow the scenic winding river corridor as you exit the Chicago metropolitan airspace.
Rock River
Observe the rural landscape and small farming communities of Northwestern Illinois near Dixon.
Cedar Rapids
Catch a glimpse of the Cedar River and the urban footprint of Iowa's second-largest city.
Iowa Speedway
Spot the distinct oval of the 'Fastest Short Track on the Planet' near Newton during descent.
Ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the western horizon. Watch for the extensive wind turbine farms in central Iowa; their red warning lights create a synchronized blinking display if flying at dusk or night. Autumn offers vibrant foliage colors along the Fox and Rock river valleys.
Book Hotels in Des MoinesDistance: 480 km (298 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 48 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Route Type: Domestic
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