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ORD → MSN
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Dane County Regional Truax Field (Madison)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the most iconic views of the Madison Isthmus and the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus during the final approach, alongside potential glimpses of the Lake Michigan shoreline during departure.
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Chicago Suburbs
The dense residential grids of the northwest suburbs stretching toward the horizon.
Lake Michigan
Distant blue waters of the Great Lakes visible to the east during the initial climb out of O'Hare.
Lake Mendota
The largest lake in Madison, offering brilliant blue vistas right before the final touchdown.
Madison Isthmus
The unique city layout where the downtown area and State Capitol are squeezed between two large lakes.
The right side is the preferred choice for this route. It offers the best perspective of the Madison Isthmus, which is the city's most famous geographic feature. Ensure you have your camera ready about 10 minutes before landing, as the transition from rural farmland to the lake-filled city landscape happens very quickly.
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O'Hare Airfield
A detailed top-down view of terminal complexes and taxiway networks immediately after takeoff.
Fox River Valley
Crossing the winding river corridor near Elgin, Illinois, marking the transition out of the Chicago metro area.
Wisconsin Farmland
Scenic patterns of dairy farms and agricultural fields throughout southern Wisconsin.
Lake Waubesa
The southernmost major lake of the Madison chain, often visible during the initial stages of descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. This side is ideal for seeing the rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine region. If the aircraft approaches Madison from the west, you will get a direct line of sight to the Wisconsin State Capitol building.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 174 km (108 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 17 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: MSN (43.13990020751953, -89.3375015258789)
Route Type: Domestic
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