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YOW → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (Ottawa) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for the arrival phase into Chicago, as aircraft typically approach from over Lake Michigan, offering a direct view of the iconic downtown skyline and Willis Tower.
Search flights from YOW to ORD
St. Lawrence River
Visible shortly after takeoff as the plane heads southwest, marking the border between Canada and the USA.
Lake Ontario South Shore
Deep blue views of the lake with the distant silhouettes of New York state border towns.
Detroit-Windsor Area
A birds-eye view of the international border crossing and the dense urban sprawl of the Motor City.
Chicago Skyline
The absolute highlight; during a standard lakefront approach, the entire downtown 'Loop' and Navy Pier are visible.
Soldier Field
The historic stadium and the Museum Campus are clearly identifiable along the lakefront during final descent.
Choose the left side for the best chance of seeing the Chicago skyline. During winter months, look for ice formations along the Lake Michigan shoreline. For the most dramatic views, book a flight that lands during 'blue hour' just after sunset when the city lights are glowing.
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Gatineau Hills
Beautiful forested rolling hills visible to the north immediately after departing YOW.
Ontario Farmland
A geometric patchwork of green and gold agricultural fields stretching across southwestern Ontario.
Lake Michigan Crossing
A vast expanse of water that looks like an ocean before the plane hits the Illinois shoreline.
Chicago North Shore
View the prestigious residential areas and the Northwestern University campus in Evanston.
The right side is excellent for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun glare. It provides a great perspective of the massive O'Hare airfield layout and the complex logistics of one of the world's busiest airports upon landing.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 1,051 km (653 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: YOW (45.3224983215332, -75.66919708251953)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: International
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