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ORD → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic transition from the North American heartland to the tropical volcanic landscapes of Central America, including the massive lakes of Nicaragua.
Mississippi River Delta
Watch the complex patterns of the Great River as it snakes toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Yucatán Peninsula
Clear views of the Mexican coastline near Cozumel and the dense jungle canopy of the Yucatán.
Lake Nicaragua
Pass directly over the largest lake in Central America, featuring the iconic twin-volcano island of Ometepe.
Poás Volcano
Stunning views of the active Poás crater and its turquoise acid lake during the descent into the Central Valley.
Pacific Glow
As the flight nears Costa Rica, the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean creates a spectacular golden horizon.
For the best experience, book a seat on the right side and look for the Ometepe Island volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua about 30-40 minutes before landing. This side also offers the most dramatic views of the volcanic range flanking the San Jose valley during the final 10 minutes of the flight.
Chicago Lakefront
Breathtaking views of the Willis Tower and the Lake Michigan shoreline immediately after takeoff from O'Hare.
Florida Panhandle
Aerial perspectives of the emerald waters and white quartz sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
Caribbean Horizon
Deep indigo waters of the western Caribbean, occasionally spotting the distant shores of western Cuba.
Irazú Volcano
On the final approach, look for the massive crater of Costa Rica's tallest active volcano rising through the clouds.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh direct sun. During descent into SJO, the left side provides the best view of the Turrialba and Irazú volcanoes if the flight path approaches from the east.
Distance: 3,575 km (2,221 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 12 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: International
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