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ORD → PSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Palm Springs International Airport (Palm Springs)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic southwestern landmarks, including potential views of the Grand Canyon and a spectacular panorama of the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains upon arrival.
Search flights from ORD to PSP
Mississippi River
The crossing of the massive river at the Illinois and Iowa border marks the transition to the Great Plains.
Southern Rockies
Dramatic views of the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges in Southern Colorado.
The Grand Canyon
A distant but majestic view of the northern rim's vast geological layers in Northern Arizona.
Coachella Valley
The lush green golf courses and palm groves of the valley floor contrasting with the desert sand.
San Jacinto Peak
The massive granite face of the 10,834-foot mountain towering directly over the Palm Springs airport.
Sit on the left (South-facing) for the best views of the Grand Canyon roughly 45-55 minutes before landing. During the final descent, the left side provides a breathtaking perspective of the San Jacinto Mountains which rise abruptly from the desert floor. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun will be behind the plane, illuminating the desert colors without glare.
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Chicago Suburbs
Expansive views of the sprawling Chicago metropolitan area immediately after departure from O'Hare.
Front Range Rockies
The dramatic point where the flat plains meet the jagged 14,000-foot peaks near Denver and Boulder.
Utah Canyonlands
Intricate mazes of deep red rock canyons, mesas, and plateaus characteristic of the Colorado Plateau.
Mojave Desert
The vast, arid expanse of the High Desert featuring dry lake beds and volcanic cinder cones.
San Bernardino Mountains
Passing north of Southern California's highest peaks, including San Gorgonio Mountain, during arrival.
Choose the right side if you are interested in the geological formations of the Utah desert and the high peaks of the Northern Colorado Rockies. This side avoids direct sunlight for most of the westbound journey, making it easier to take photos. Watch for the stark transition from the brown Mojave desert to the developed Coachella Valley during the last 15 minutes of the flight.
Book Hotels in Palm SpringsDistance: 2,653 km (1,648 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 32 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: PSP (33.829700469970696, -116.50700378417967)
Route Type: Domestic
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