While the takeoff offers dramatic desert and water views, the landing approach to Chicago provides more visually engaging scenery with the iconic Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown skyline, and urban landscape. Left-side seats capture this better during descent.
Flown ABS to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Simbel to Chicago is 6,552 miles (10,544 km), a flight of about 14 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea north of Libya and Tunisia, then traverses the Atlantic Ocean. Notable waypoints include the North African coast (visible during the initial northwestward climb), the Strait of Gibraltar region (if routed that way), and the vast Atlantic with occasional cloud formations. Over Greenland or northern Canada (depending on routing), you may see ice sheets and Arctic terrain. The final approach crosses the Great Lakes region with Lake Michigan as the dominant feature.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Nile River valley as the aircraft climbs southward from Abu Simbel. You'll see the narrow green corridor of cultivated land contrasting sharply with the surrounding desert, and the Lake Nasser reservoir extending south behind the Abu Simbel temples.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Chicago. You'll see Lake Michigan's shoreline, the Chicago skyline and downtown towers, and the grid of suburban neighborhoods spreading inland from the lake.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Simbel (ABS) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Simbel to Chicago. While the takeoff offers dramatic desert and water views, the landing approach to Chicago provides more visually engaging scenery with the iconic Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown skyline, and urban landscape. Left-side seats capture this better during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Abu Simbel in Abu Simbel?
During takeoff from Abu Simbel (ABS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Nile River valley as the aircraft climbs southward from Abu Simbel. You'll see the narrow green corridor of cultivated land contrasting sharply with the surrounding desert, and the Lake Nasser reservoir extending south behind the Abu Simbel temples. Notable sights include: Lake Nasser (massive artificial reservoir), Nile River valley (thin green strip), Eastern Desert plateau, Abu Simbel temples site (visible briefly during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Chicago. You'll see Lake Michigan's shoreline, the Chicago skyline and downtown towers, and the grid of suburban neighborhoods spreading inland from the lake. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (massive freshwater body), Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Chicago River, O'Hare airport runways and surrounding urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Abu Simbel to Chicago?
The flight from Abu Simbel (ABS) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 14 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,552 miles (10,544 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Simbel to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea north of Libya and Tunisia, then traverses the Atlantic Ocean. Notable waypoints include the North African coast (visible during the initial northwestward climb), the Strait of Gibraltar region (if routed that way), and the vast Atlantic with occasional cloud formations. Over Greenland or northern Canada (depending on routing), you may see ice sheets and Arctic terrain. The final approach crosses the Great Lakes region with Lake Michigan as the dominant feature.