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ORD → SAT
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to San Antonio International Airport (San Antonio)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a spectacular departure view of the Chicago skyline and the vast Lake Michigan, followed by sightings of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the distant Austin skyline before landing.
Chicago Loop & Lake Michigan
Breathtaking views of the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and the deep blue expanse of Lake Michigan during departure.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
Depending on the flight path, the iconic silver arch and the Mississippi River are often visible on the eastern horizon.
Ozark National Forest
Dense, undulating forest canopies covering the highlands of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.
Austin Skyline
As you descend into San Antonio, the growing skyline of Austin and the University of Texas are often visible to the east.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Chicago skyline immediately after takeoff. For morning flights, the sun will be on your side, so bring sunglasses or keep the shade partially down. If arriving at night, the grid patterns of St. Louis and Austin provide excellent light shows.
Mississippi River Crossing
A grand view of the winding Mississippi River as the aircraft transitions from Illinois into Missouri.
The Ozark Plateau
Rugged, dissected plateau terrain featuring steep valleys and winding river paths through the heart of the Midwest.
Texas Blackland Prairies
The transition into the vast, structured agricultural landscapes of Northeast Texas.
Texas Hill Country
Beautiful limestone hills and ranch lands that define the unique geography just west of the San Antonio approach.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. You will have a prime view of the sunset over the Texas horizon during late-day arrivals. It also offers a great perspective of the rural-to-urban transition when entering the San Antonio metropolitan area.
Distance: 1,677 km (1,042 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 14 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: SAT (29.533700942993164, -98.46980285644533)
Route Type: Domestic
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