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ORD → ROA
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (Roanoke VA)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the dramatic Appalachian mountain ridges during the descent and provides a prime angle of the New River Gorge and the Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain during final approach.
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Ohio River Meanders
Broad bends of the Ohio River marking the border between Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
New River Gorge
Deep incisions of the New River through the plateau, featuring rugged cliffs and dense forests.
Appalachian Ridges
Exceptional views of the 'Fold-and-Thrust' belt with its signature long, parallel mountain ridges.
Mill Mountain Star
Look for the world's largest man-made star atop Mill Mountain as the plane banks into the Roanoke Valley.
Roanoke Valley Descent
A scenic glide path surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains on both sides during the final approach.
The right side is best for late afternoon flights as the sun illuminates the western faces of the Appalachian ridges. During the final approach into ROA, keep your eyes peeled for the New River Gorge Bridge to the west. This side also typically offers the best view of the Roanoke skyline and the iconic illuminated star upon landing.
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Chicago Skyline
Stunning views of the Willis Tower and lakefront skyscrapers shortly after takeoff if departing East.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Aerial perspective of the Indiana Dunes and the industrial landscape of Gary along the southern coast.
Columbus Metro Area
Clear visibility of Ohio's capital city and the winding Scioto River midway through the flight.
Monongahela Forest
Dense, rolling green canopies of the West Virginia highlands stretching toward the horizon.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. If the plane departs to the East over the lake, you will get an unmatched view of the Chicago lakefront. Watch for the sharp transition from flat farmland to the rising ridges of the Appalachians roughly 45 minutes into the flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 853 km (530 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: ROA (37.3255, -79.975403)
Route Type: Domestic
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