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SJU → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning departure view of the San Juan coastline and the best chance to see the iconic Chicago skyline and Willis Tower during the final approach over Lake Michigan.
Old San Juan & El Morro
Immediately after takeoff, catch a bird's-eye view of the historic fort and the colorful streets of the old city.
The Bahamas Archipelago
Fly over the vibrant turquoise waters and white sand cays of the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama.
Appalachian Mountains
Observe the rolling green ridges and deep valleys of the mountain range as you cross over the Carolinas and Tennessee.
Chicago Skyline
On the standard arrival route, the left side provides a world-class view of the downtown skyscrapers across the lake.
Willis Tower
Identify the former Sears Tower and the grid layout of the Chicago Loop as the plane banks toward O'Hare.
To capture the best photos of the Chicago skyline, choose a seat well ahead of the wing. For a morning flight, the left side is also better as it avoids direct glare from the eastern sun. Watch for the 'Lake Fill' area of Northwestern University as you enter the final descent phase over the water.
Deep Atlantic Blue
View the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean during the initial leg of the journey toward the mainland US.
Outer Banks
In clear weather, you can often see the thin, sandy barrier islands of North Carolina off to the east.
Midwestern Patchwork
See the distinct 'square' agricultural patterns of Indiana and Illinois as the aircraft descends.
O'Hare Airport Layout
Depending on the wind direction, you may get a clear view of the complex runway system and terminals during landing.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to avoid the harsh setting sun in the west. Keep an eye out for the Ohio River, which serves as a major geographical landmark during the transition from the Southeast to the Midwest. If landing from the west, the right side may see the sprawling suburbs of Schaumburg and Rosemont.
Distance: 3,338 km (2,074 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 56 min
Departure: SJU (18.4393997192, -66.0018005371)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: International
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