The approach offers a scenic transition from vast, gridded farmland to the urban layout of Bloomington-Normal and the Illinois State University campus.
The Left Side is superior for this short hop as it typically offers a dramatic view of the Chicago skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline immediately after takeoff from O'Hare, followed by a detailed look at the suburban expansion into the Illinois prairie.
The left side offers a superior view of major metropolitan skylines including Atlanta and Nashville, along with excellent lighting for late afternoon flights heading northwest.
The left side provides the most scenic perspective of the Mississippi River valley immediately after takeoff and a better angle of the winding Illinois River during the descent.
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the iconic St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch, as well as the transition from the dense Ozark forests to the sprawling Illinois prairies.
The left side offers a more diverse array of landmarks, including the urban sprawl of Nashville and a better perspective of the winding rivers and lakes throughout the Tennessee Valley.
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the rolling Kentucky Bluegrass region and the massive wind farms that define the Central Illinois landscape.
The left side provides a more immediate and striking view of the Detroit River, the Canadian border, and the urban core of Detroit and Windsor before transitioning into the pastoral landscapes of Indiana and Illinois.
The left side offers a more scenic perspective of the Rocky Mountain silhouette during departure and superior views of the major river crossings as you enter the Midwest.