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SUX → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Sioux Gateway Col. Bud Day Field (Sioux City) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most iconic views, including a clear perspective of Sioux City during departure and a high probability of seeing the spectacular Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan upon arrival.
Search flights from SUX to ORD
Sioux City Skyline
Excellent views of the Missouri River waterfront and downtown Sioux City during the climb out.
Mississippi River
A majestic crossing over the wide river near the Clinton and Quad Cities region.
Chicagoland Sprawl
The transition from rural farmland to the dense, interconnected suburban network of Northern Illinois.
Chicago Skyline
Iconic views of the Willis Tower and the downtown skyscrapers, especially if the plane circles south.
Lake Michigan Coastline
The contrast between the deep blue lake and the white sandy beaches of the Chicago lakefront.
Sit on the right for the best chance to see the 'Main Event': the Chicago skyline. During the standard arrival pattern into ORD, the pilot often flies a 'downwind' leg that puts the city and Lake Michigan directly out the right-side windows. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting for photographing the skyline.
Book Hotels in ChicagoMissouri River
Visible immediately after takeoff, showcasing the winding border between Iowa and Nebraska.
Iowa Heartland
An endless patchwork of agricultural fields and wind turbines across Northern Iowa.
Mississippi River Bluffs
Scenic crossing near the Dubuque area, featuring dramatic elevation changes and river islands.
Rockford Urban Area
A clear view of the city of Rockford and its industrial landscape in Northern Illinois.
O'Hare North Approach
Views of the sprawling logistics hubs and northern suburbs like Schaumburg before touchdown.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the southern sun glare. Keep an eye out for the Mississippi River crossing roughly 40 minutes into the flight. If the flight approaches O'Hare from the north, you may catch a distant glimpse of the Wisconsin border and the upper reaches of Lake Michigan.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 700 km (435 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 10 min
Departure: SUX (42.40259933, -96.38439941)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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