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SNA → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a premier view of the high Colorado Rockies and the vibrant red rock formations of Utah, capped off with a better probability of seeing the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan during the approach into O'Hare.
Search flights from SNA to ORD
Orange County Coast
Initial views of Newport Beach and the Pacific shoreline if the plane banks north immediately after departure.
Las Vegas & Mojave
Look north to spot the Las Vegas Strip and the stark contrast of the surrounding Mojave Desert.
Utah Red Rocks
Aerial perspectives of Arches National Park and the Colorado River carving through Moab's sandstone.
Central Rockies
Dramatic views of the highest peaks in Colorado, including the Sawatch Range and the ski resorts of Vail and Breckenridge.
Chicago Skyline
If the flight approaches ORD from the north or loops over the lake, you get a stunning view of the Sears Tower and downtown.
Sit on the left (port) side for better lighting on morning flights to avoid the southern sun glare. About 1.5 to 2 hours into the flight, watch closely for the transition from the desert to the snowy peaks of Colorado. If flying at night, the left side provides the best view of the glowing lights of the Chicago Loop.
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Saddleback Mountain
A close-up view of the Santa Ana Mountains' most iconic twin peaks during the climb out of SNA.
Lake Powell
The deep blue water and intricate canyon walls of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are often visible to the south.
San Juan Mountains
Views of the rugged and remote southwestern Colorado wilderness and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
The Mississippi River
Observe the massive scale of America's largest river system as you cross from Iowa into Illinois.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights if you enjoy watching the sunset over the Great Plains. Keep an eye out for the unique 'center-pivot' irrigation circles that create a green polka-dot pattern across the Nebraska landscape. During landing at ORD, the right side often looks down on the expansive O'Hare airfield operations.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 2,772 km (1,722 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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