Loading map...
SAT → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from San Antonio International Airport (San Antonio) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is preferred for its superior views of the Mississippi River crossing and the potential for an iconic panoramic view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan during the standard arrival patterns into O'Hare.
Search flights from SAT to ORD
Red River Valley
The distinctive red-silt waters marking the border between Texas and Oklahoma.
Mississippi River
An aerial crossing of the historic and massive waterway near the Missouri-Illinois border.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
The iconic monument is often visible if the flight path tracks slightly east toward the city.
Chicago Skyline
A spectacular view of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers during the approach to ORD.
Lake Michigan
The vast, sea-like expanse of the lakefront as the plane turns for its final descent.
Select the right side for the highest probability of seeing the Chicago skyline. During the 'downwind' leg of the landing pattern, the plane often flies north over the lake, providing a full view of the city. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for photography of the lakefront.
Book Hotels in Chicago
Texas Hill Country
Limestone ridges and rolling green hills immediately north of San Antonio.
DFW Metroplex
Distant views of the Dallas and Fort Worth urban sprawl to the west of the flight path.
The Ozarks
Rugged, forested plateaus and deep valleys throughout southern Missouri.
Missouri River
The winding path of the Missouri River near its confluence with the Mississippi.
Midwestern Grid
The distinct geometric patterns of Illinois farmland extending to the horizon.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. This side offers excellent views of the setting sun on late afternoon flights and clear views of the Ozark plateau's unique topography during the mid-flight segment.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,677 km (1,042 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 14 min
Departure: SAT (29.533700942993164, -98.46980285644533)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.