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ORD destination photo
IAD destination photo

ORDIAD

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior vantage point for the iconic Chicago skyline and the vast blue expanse of Lake Michigan during departure, followed by the industrial beauty of the Lake Erie shoreline.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Unmatched views of the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, and the dense urban grid of the 'Windy City' during departure.

🌊

Lake Michigan Coastline

The scenic transition from urban sprawl to the deep blue waters of the lake and the Indiana Dunes.

⚓

Lake Erie Shoreline

Visuals of the coast near Toledo and Cleveland, often highlighting major shipping routes and coastal infrastructure.

⛰️

Northern Appalachians

The dense forests and rolling peaks of the Pennsylvania highlands as the flight approaches the East Coast.

🏛️

Potomac River

On specific landing patterns into Dulles, views of the winding river that separates Virginia and Maryland.

Book a window seat on the left for morning departures to avoid direct sun glare while capturing the Chicago skyline. If your flight departs to the east, the view of the city is immediate and breathtaking. During autumn, the change in foliage over the Pennsylvania mountains is particularly striking from this side.

Right Side Highlights
7.1
🌽

Midwestern Tapestry

The geometric beauty of perfectly partitioned Indiana and Ohio farmlands in varying shades of green and gold.

🌊

Ohio River Valley

Distant views of the river's path as it winds through the industrial heartland.

⛰️

Blue Ridge Mountains

The distinct, hazy blue ridges of the Appalachian range and the lush Shenandoah Valley.

🌳

Shenandoah National Park

Expansive views of the protected wilderness areas of Virginia just before the descent into Northern Virginia.

✈️

Udvar-Hazy Center

A view of the massive Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum hangar located right on the edge of the airport grounds.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights if you prefer to see the sun reflecting off the Appalachian ridges, though it can be quite bright. Look out for the massive Udvar-Hazy Center (Space Shuttle Discovery's home) just seconds before landing. This side typically offers a more rural and mountainous scenic progression compared to the left.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 945 km (587 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min

Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)

Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Route Type: Domestic

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