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ORD → RSW
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a spectacular vantage point for the Gulf of Mexico coastline, providing views of the Florida panhandle and the white sand beaches of the west coast during the descent.
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Lake Michigan
A sweeping view of the lakefront and harbor as the plane banks south toward Florida.
Nashville Basin
View the 'Music City' and the surrounding lush valleys of Middle Tennessee from high altitude.
Tampa Bay & Skyway
Incredible views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the sprawling Tampa-St. Pete metropolitan area.
Gulf Coast Shoreline
Follow the turquoise waters and barrier islands including Sarasota and Venice during the descent.
Sanibel & Captiva
A stunning finale featuring the world-famous shell-filled beaches and unique geometry of the islands near Fort Myers.
The right side is the definitive choice for afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Keep your camera ready as you pass Tampa; the contrast between the deep blue Gulf and the white sand beaches is most vivid about 20 minutes before landing.
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Downtown Chicago
Clear views of the Willis Tower and the dense urban grid of the Loop shortly after takeoff from O'Hare.
Ohio River Crossing
The wide, meandering border between Indiana and Kentucky is a prominent landmark mid-flight.
Appalachian Foothills
Distant views of the rolling green ridges and forested terrain of the northern Georgia wilderness.
Florida Wetlands
A bird's-eye view of the intricate canal systems and swampy landscapes as you enter the Florida peninsula.
Sit on the left side during morning flights to avoid the harsh direct sunlight coming from the east. This side is also better for spotting the urban sprawl of Atlanta and the distant Atlantic coastline if the flight path tracks slightly eastward.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,806 km (1,122 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: RSW (26.53619956970215, -81.75520324707031)
Route Type: Domestic
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