MSP to ORD: which side of the plane should you sit on?
Minneapolis (MSP) to Chicago (ORD) is a 537 km (334 mi), roughly 1h 8m eastbound flight. Here is where the sun sits along that path, computed with the same astronomy as our live calculator.
On most daytime MSP to ORD departures the sun favors the right side — sit on the left (an A seat) for shade.
Sun side by season and departure time
| Season | Morning (8 am) | Midday (1 pm) | Evening (6 pm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | Left | Right | Right |
| June solstice | Left | Right | Right |
| September equinox | Left | Right | Right |
| December solstice | Right | Right | Night |
What you’ll see on this flight
Left side is the one to choose for both views and shade.
Sit on the left for the best views on this route. The shade side is left too, so one side wins on both counts.
Takeoff
After takeoff from MSP, depending on the runway in use, you can catch Minneapolis and Saint Paul almost under the wing on the left. They come fast during the climb, then slip behind you.
En route
- 46m in← LeftMadison
About 45 minutes in, Madison sits off the left side during descent. It is a quick, city-scale view rather than a long look.
- 58m in← LeftMilwaukee
A few minutes later, Milwaukee appears on the left as you start down. It is farther out and easier to spot as a broad city shape.
Landing
On approach to ORD, depending on the runway in use, Chicago stays on the left side near landing. Expect a final city view rather than a wide scenic sweep.
Sides and timings are computed from this route’s geometry. What you actually see depends on weather, air-traffic routing, and the runway in use on the day.
Frequently asked
Which side of the plane avoids the sun from MSP to ORD?
Across typical daytime departures, the sun predominantly hits the right side of the aircraft, so the left side stays shadier. Seat letters start at the left window, so choose an A seat.
Which side has the sunset views on MSP to ORD flights?
For sunset views, flip the advice: on evening departures the sun sits on the right side of this route, so that is the side with the show.
How long is the flight from MSP to ORD?
The great-circle distance is 537 km (334 mi), which works out to roughly 1h 8m in the air on this eastbound routing. Winds and routing move the real block time around that estimate.
Does the date or departure time change the answer?
Yes — that is why the table shows both. The sun's path shifts with the season, and a morning departure can put the glare on the opposite side compared to an evening one. For a specific flight, the calculator samples the sun along the whole route for your exact date and time.
Which side should I sit on for MSP to ORD?
Sit on the left. It is the view side, and it is also the shade side.
What will I see on the MSP to ORD flight?
You get quick left-side city views: Minneapolis and Saint Paul after takeoff, then Madison and Milwaukee on descent, with Chicago near landing.