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ROA → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (Roanoke VA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains shortly after takeoff, the right side is preferred for the iconic approach into Chicago, which often provides a stunning panorama of the Lake Michigan shoreline and the city skyline.
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Shenandoah Valley
Expansive views of the fertile valley between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies.
Ohio River Crossing
The wide, winding silver ribbon of the Ohio River near the border of West Virginia and Ohio.
Chicago Skyline
Unmatched views of Willis Tower and the downtown skyscrapers during the typical O'Hare approach.
Lake Michigan Coastline
Deep blue water contrasting with the sandy beaches and urban shoreline of northern Chicago.
The right side is essential for the 'scenic route' into ORD. Most flights enter a downwind leg over Lake Michigan; sit here to see the city skyline and the Navy Pier. For morning flights, the sun will be behind the plane, providing excellent lighting for photos of the Appalachian ridges and the Chicago lakefront.
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McAfee Knob & Dragons Tooth
Look down immediately after takeoff for these famous Appalachian Trail landmarks near Roanoke.
Jefferson National Forest
Dense, rolling ridges of the Allegheny Mountains stretching across the West Virginia border.
Midwestern Patchwork
Perfectly geometric agricultural grids of Indiana and Illinois as the terrain flattens out.
South Side Chicago
Glimpses of the suburban sprawl and sports complexes of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Sit on the left for the best views of the rugged ridges of West Virginia. During evening flights, this side offers a front-row seat to the sunset as the aircraft tracks northwest. If the flight approaches O'Hare from the west, the left side provides views of the Illinois prairie transitions.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 853 km (530 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: ROA (37.3255, -79.975403)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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