Left side wins both the departure over Addis Ababa and the arrival into Chicago with the Lake Michigan and skyline view, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown ADD to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Addis Ababa to Chicago is 7,569 miles (12,180 km), a flight of about 15 hours.
The route tracks northwestward over the Ethiopian Plateau, then across Sudan and the Sahara Desert's vast sand seas and ergs, over the Mediterranean near Libya or Tunisia, across southern Europe including the Alps visible as a white serrated ridge, then over the Atlantic, crossing the Canadian Maritime provinces and the Great Lakes region before descending into Chicago. The Sahara crossing offers hours of visually striking but monotonous sand dune fields and rocky hamada. The Alps are the single most dramatic midpoint feature if routing over central Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADD
LEFTDeparting Bole on runway 07R (eastward), the left/north side gives you a clear view back over Addis Ababa's city center and the Entoto Hills rising to about 3,200m just north of the city. The right side faces south toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at ORD
LEFTO'Hare arrivals from the east on runway 10L/10R put Lake Michigan on the left side as you descend, giving a sweeping view of the Chicago lakefront, Grant Park, and the downtown skyline. The right side faces inland toward suburban sprawl with no comparable landmark.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Chicago. Left side wins both the departure over Addis Ababa and the arrival into Chicago with the Lake Michigan and skyline view, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Bole International in Addis Ababa?
During takeoff from Bole International (ADD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Bole on runway 07R (eastward), the left/north side gives you a clear view back over Addis Ababa's city center and the Entoto Hills rising to about 3,200m just north of the city. The right side faces south toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Entoto Hills and eucalyptus forests directly north, Addis Ababa city grid and Meskel Square area below, Mount Wuchacha volcanic cone to the northwest, the broad Ethiopian Plateau stretching east.
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. O'Hare arrivals from the east on runway 10L/10R put Lake Michigan on the left side as you descend, giving a sweeping view of the Chicago lakefront, Grant Park, and the downtown skyline. The right side faces inland toward suburban sprawl with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline and Grant Park, Navy Pier extending into the lake, the grid of Chicago's South and Near North Side neighborhoods.
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Chicago?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 15 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 7,569 miles (12,180 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Addis Ababa to Chicago flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwestward over the Ethiopian Plateau, then across Sudan and the Sahara Desert's vast sand seas and ergs, over the Mediterranean near Libya or Tunisia, across southern Europe including the Alps visible as a white serrated ridge, then over the Atlantic, crossing the Canadian Maritime provinces and the Great Lakes region before descending into Chicago. The Sahara crossing offers hours of visually striking but monotonous sand dune fields and rocky hamada. The Alps are the single most dramatic midpoint feature if routing over central Europe.