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ORD → ELP
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to El Paso International Airport (El Paso)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the transition from the Great Plains to the Chihuahuan Desert, culminating in a dramatic descent over the Franklin Mountains.
Search flights from ORD to ELP
Kansas City
The confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, often visible on the standard track from ORD.
Palo Duro Canyon
The 'Grand Canyon of Texas' near Amarillo, showcasing striking red clay and deep erosion patterns.
Llano Estacado
One of the largest mesas in North America, appearing as a vast, flat 'staked plain' across the Panhandle.
Guadalupe Peak
The highest point in Texas is often visible in the distance as the plane crosses the New Mexico border.
Franklin Mountains
The rugged desert peaks that divide El Paso, providing a dramatic backdrop during the final descent.
The right side is the best choice for mountain enthusiasts. Aim for a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the red rocks of Palo Duro and the ridges of the Franklin Mountains. Sit forward of the wing for the best view of the El Paso skyline and the mountain pass as you bank for landing at ELP.
Book Hotels in El PasoSt. Louis Skyline
Distant views of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Ozark Plateau
The rolling green terrain of southern Missouri, providing a lush contrast to the upcoming desert.
Oklahoma City
The sprawling urban center of central Oklahoma, visible as the flight path cuts southwest.
Permian Basin
An intricate grid of oil fields and infrastructure characterizing the industrial landscape of West Texas.
Ciudad Juárez
The dense, vibrant urban sprawl of the Mexican border city separated from El Paso by the Rio Grande.
The left side is ideal for night flights to witness the glow of Oklahoma City and the intense grid of lights along the US-Mexico border. During final approach, look for the Rio Grande as it marks the international boundary. In winter, the Ozarks may offer a snowy landscape, while summer provides views of massive convective storm cells common in the plains.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,988 km (1,235 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 39 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: ELP (31.80719948, -106.37799840000002)
Route Type: Domestic
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