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ORD → PNS
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Pensacola Regional Airport (Pensacola)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Gulf Coast approach, including the emerald waters and white sands of the Florida Panhandle and the expanses of Mobile Bay.
Illinois Farmland
Infinite geometric patterns of the American Midwest stretching to the western horizon.
Ohio River
The winding industrial lifeline that marks the transition between the Midwest and the South.
Rocket City
Distant views of Huntsville and the rolling terrain of the Tennessee River valley.
Mobile Bay
The vast estuary where the Mobile River meets the Gulf, often visible during descent.
Gulf Coast Beaches
Striking white quartz sand and turquoise waters during the final approach into the Panhandle.
A late afternoon or sunset flight is ideal for the right side to see the sun reflecting off the Gulf of Mexico. During the descent, watch for the distinctive white sandbars and coastal lagoons that define the Florida coastline.
Chicago Skyline
Aerial views of the Willis Tower and the Lake Michigan shoreline immediately after takeoff.
Lake Michigan
The massive expanse of the Great Lakes visible during the initial ascent.
Nashville
Flyover views of the Cumberland River and the urban sprawl of Middle Tennessee.
Southern Forests
Dense green landscapes of the southern Appalachian foothills and eastern Alabama.
Pensacola Bay
Final views of the naval air station and the long bridges spanning the inner bay.
Best for morning departures to catch the sun lighting up the Chicago skyline behind the plane. Keep an eye out for the Tennessee River and the grid-like city planning of Nashville as you head south.
Distance: 1,281 km (796 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: PNS (30.473400115967003, -87.18659973144501)
Route Type: Domestic
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