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ORD → OAK
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for its spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains during the descent into Oakland.
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Chicago Skyline
A sweeping view of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers immediately following a westbound departure.
Mississippi River
A clear crossing of the nation's largest river near the Iowa-Illinois border.
Colorado Rockies
Aerial views of the high peaks of the southern Rocky Mountains, often snow-capped.
Yosemite National Park
Distant views of the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan as you cross the Sierra Nevada range.
San Francisco Skyline
The most iconic part of the trip, featuring the Salesforce Tower and Bay Bridge during the final approach.
Book a window seat on the left (port) side for the 'Quiet Bridge' or 'Downwind' approach into OAK. This provides a parallel view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. In the afternoon, the sun will be behind you or directly above, offering the best lighting for photography without glare.
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Lake Michigan
Vast views of the shoreline and northern Chicago suburbs during the initial climb.
Great Salt Lake
The shimmering white salt flats and the turquoise-tinted waters of the northern Great Salt Lake.
Lake Tahoe
An incredible overhead view of the deep blue alpine lake surrounded by the Sierra peaks.
Napa Valley
Aerial views of the lush vineyard rows and rolling hills of Northern California's wine country during descent.
The right side is ideal for seeing the Great Salt Lake and Lake Tahoe. On clear winter days, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is more prominent from this side. If the flight arrives after sunset, the right side offers a beautiful view of the 'grid' of lights across the North Bay and East Bay hills.
Book Hotels in OaklandDistance: 2,947 km (1,831 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 56 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Route Type: Domestic
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