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YKF → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Waterloo Airport (Waterloo) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this route, offering a front-row seat to the Detroit-Windsor skyline and the iconic Chicago lakefront approach, which typically passes right by the Willis Tower and Navy Pier.
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Detroit-Windsor Border
A stunning view of the Detroit River, the Renaissance Center, and the Ambassador Bridge connecting Canada and the USA.
Ann Arbor
Look for the massive 'Big House' stadium at the University of Michigan as you cross into the state.
Indiana Dunes
As the plane turns toward Chicago, view the unique sand dunes and steel mills along the southern tip of Lake Michigan.
Chicago Skyline
The 'money shot' of the trip; catch the Willis Tower, Hancock Building, and the architectural density of the Loop during descent.
Navy Pier
A clear aerial perspective of the pier extending into Lake Michigan, often visible just before the final turn to the runway.
Book a window seat on the left side (Port) specifically to capture the Chicago skyline during the arrival sequence. For the best photography, choose a seat behind the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting on the city buildings as the sun hits them from the west.
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Lake Huron & St. Clair
View the transition from the blue waters of Lake Huron into the St. Clair River near Sarnia.
Blue Water Bridge
A sharp view of the international bridge system connecting Sarnia, Ontario, to Port Huron, Michigan.
Central Michigan Forests
Expansive views of the lush greenery and agricultural grids that define the interior of the Michigan peninsula.
Chicago North Shore
As you approach O'Hare, look down at the affluent suburbs and the Northwestern University campus in Evanston.
The right side is better for morning flights if you want to avoid direct sun glare. While you miss the main Chicago skyline, you get a better view of the Great Lakes' vastness and the complex runway layouts of O'Hare upon landing.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 636 km (395 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 4 min
Departure: YKF (43.4608001709, -80.3786010742)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: International
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