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ORD → FOE
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Topeka Regional Airport - Forbes Field (Topeka)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route primarily due to the spectacular departure views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, followed by better positioning to see the Kansas State Capitol upon arrival in Topeka.
Chicago Skyline
Unrivaled views of the Willis Tower and the downtown lakefront during the initial climb.
Mississippi River
A grand crossing of the 'Great River' marking the border between Illinois and Iowa.
Iowa Heartland
Infinite geometric patterns of corn and soybean fields creating a green and gold mosaic.
Kansas City Horizon
Distant views of the Kansas City metropolitan area as you track toward the southwest.
Kansas State Capitol
The distinct copper dome of the capitol building is often visible during the descent into Topeka.
Book a window seat behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the Chicago skyline. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Illinois and Iowa landscapes. Keep a close eye out approximately 10 minutes before landing for the Topeka city center.
O'Hare Infrastructure
A unique aerial perspective of one of the world's busiest airport runway configurations.
The Quad Cities
Detailed views of the bridges and urban centers of Davenport and Rock Island.
Des Moines
The skyline of Iowa's capital city is frequently visible to the north during the mid-flight cruise.
Kansas River
The 'Kaw' river winding through the fertile valleys of Northeast Kansas.
Flint Hills Fringe
The beginning of the rolling tallgrass prairie ecosystem as you approach the destination.
The right side offers great views of the massive ORD terminal complex on takeoff. During the afternoon, this side may experience significant glare from the sun, so high-quality sunglasses are recommended. This side is excellent for spotting the winding Missouri River near the Kansas-Missouri border shortly before the descent begins.
Distance: 737 km (458 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 14 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: FOE (38.9509010315, -95.6635971069)
Route Type: Domestic
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