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ORD → SJC
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan upon departure, followed by stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and the High Sierra including the Lake Tahoe region.
Chicago Skyline
Unparalleled views of Willis Tower and the lakefront when taking off toward the east then turning west.
Great Salt Lake
The striking contrast of the white salt flats and the turquoise waters of Utah's inland sea.
Sierra Nevada
Majestic views of the rugged High Sierra peaks and deep glacial valleys.
Tahoe Region
Depending on the specific flight path, you may see the southern rim of the Lake Tahoe basin.
SF Bay Salt Ponds
The vibrant, multi-colored salt evaporation ponds near the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay.
The right side is premier for the Chicago departure if the wind dictates an eastern takeoff. For the best experience, monitor the flight path about 3 hours in for the Great Salt Lake. On sunset flights, this side provides a front-row seat to the golden hour over the Sierras.
Mississippi River
Cross the winding waters of the great American waterway early in the flight.
Great Plains
Observe the intricate geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation across Iowa and Nebraska.
Colorado Rockies
Dramatic views of the southern Front Range and snow-capped peaks of the central Rockies.
Canyonlands
The rugged red rock terrain of the Colorado Plateau and eastern Utah's canyon systems.
Silicon Valley
Aerial views of the sprawling tech campuses and suburbs of the South Bay during descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy the soft light hitting the Rockies. Keep an eye out for the transition from the flat agricultural plains to the sudden rise of the Colorado mountains roughly halfway through the journey.
Distance: 2,937 km (1,825 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 55 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Route Type: Domestic
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