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SAN → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the premier choice for this transcontinental route, offering iconic views of the Grand Canyon's vast expanse and the Chicago city center upon arrival.
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Anza-Borrego Desert
The rugged badlands and desert peaks of Southern California visible shortly after the initial climb.
Grand Canyon
A prime view of the North and South Rims as the flight crosses into Arizona roughly 45 minutes after takeoff.
San Juan Mountains
The jagged, high-altitude peaks of southwestern Colorado often capped with snow.
Great Plains
The mesmerizing geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation fields across Kansas and Missouri.
Chicago Skyline
A breathtaking view of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers during the final approach to O'Hare.
The Grand Canyon is the highlight of this route; keep your camera ready about 50 minutes into the flight. For the Chicago skyline, the right side is most reliable when the airport is using west-flow landing patterns, which is common during fair weather. Use sunglasses as the southern sun can be bright.
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Las Vegas Strip
The sprawling casinos and neon architecture of Vegas are often visible to the north of the path.
Lake Mead
The vast turquoise waters of the reservoir contrasted against the arid desert landscape.
Utah Canyonlands
The deep red rock formations and plateaus characteristic of the Zion and Bryce Canyon regions.
Northern Rockies
Dramatic snow-dusted peaks of northern Colorado provide a rugged mid-flight vista.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
The transition from land to the deep blue of the Great Lakes during the initial descent.
Sit on the left side to enjoy soft, indirect light that is perfect for aerial photography of the Utah desert. This side also stays cooler as it faces away from the sun for the duration of the eastbound journey, and you will get a great view of the lake if the plane approaches ORD from the north.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,768 km (1,720 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 41 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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