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SLC → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer spectacular mountain views during departure, the Right Side typically provides the most iconic views of the Chicago skyline on approach and better vistas of the Uinta Mountains early in the flight.
Uinta Mountains
Excellent views of Utah's highest peaks, which run east-to-west, shortly after takeoff.
Colorado Rockies
Distant but clear views of the snow-capped Front Range to the south during the first half of the trip.
Midwestern Heartland
Intricate geometric patterns of corn and soybean fields across Iowa and Illinois.
Chicago Skyline
The best chance to see the Willis Tower and the dense cluster of skyscrapers when landing from the west.
O'Hare Terminals
A grand-scale view of the airport's complex runway system and massive terminal architecture on final approach.
The right side is superior for evening flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, providing better lighting for photography. For the best chance at the Chicago skyline, hope for a 'West Flow' landing configuration where planes approach from the east over the lake or circle in from the south.
Great Salt Lake
Stunning views of the turquoise water and salt flats immediately after departing Salt Lake City.
Wasatch Range
Dramatic, jagged peaks of the northern Wasatch mountains as the plane climbs to cruising altitude.
Wyoming High Desert
Aerial perspective of the rugged, arid terrain and remote basins of southern Wyoming.
Nebraska Sandhills
Unique views of the grass-stabilized sand dunes that create a rolling green pattern across the plains.
Mississippi River
A clear view of the wide, winding river that marks the border between Iowa and Illinois.
Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy front-lit views of the Rockies without sun glare. On descent, if the plane approaches from the north, you will see the affluent 'North Shore' suburbs and the coastline of Lake Michigan. Keep your camera ready in the first 10 minutes for the Salt Lake color contrast.
Distance: 2,006 km (1,246 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 40 min
Departure: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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