The left side offers excellent views of Lake Decatur's winding shoreline and its various bridges as the aircraft descends over the transition from rural farmland to the urban grid.
The left side is superior for this short hop, offering the iconic Chicago skyline on departure and views of Lake Decatur during the final approach.
The right side offers a superior view of the St. Louis skyline, the Gateway Arch during departure, and the dramatic confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers shortly after takeoff.