While Auckland's takeoff offers dramatic coastal and mountain scenery, Chicago's landing provides the more visually striking finale with Lake Michigan and the iconic downtown skyline. The right side captures both departure and arrival highlights effectively.
Flown AKL to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Auckland to Chicago is 8,192 miles (13,184 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 8 hours with no significant landmarks visible—open ocean dominates. After crossing the International Date Line, the route passes north of Hawaii (typically 300+ miles away, not visible). Approaching North America, the flight crosses the western coast near the Oregon-California border, revealing the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada mountains. The route then crosses the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains, with the Continental Divide visible as a major ridge system. Over the Great Plains, the landscape becomes increasingly flat and agricultural. The final approach to Chicago crosses the Illinois prairie and Lake Michigan.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AKL
LEFTLeft side captures the Waitakere Ranges and Tasman Sea coastline immediately west of Auckland during climb-out. Right side faces inland toward the Hunua Ranges, which are less visually dramatic from altitude.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight side provides views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during approach. The lake's massive expanse and the distinctive grid of the city's central business district are unmistakable from altitude. Left side faces inland toward the industrial areas and suburbs west of the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Auckland International (AKL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to Chicago. While Auckland's takeoff offers dramatic coastal and mountain scenery, Chicago's landing provides the more visually striking finale with Lake Michigan and the iconic downtown skyline. The right side captures both departure and arrival highlights effectively.
What can I see during takeoff from Auckland International in Auckland?
During takeoff from Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Waitakere Ranges and Tasman Sea coastline immediately west of Auckland during climb-out. Right side faces inland toward the Hunua Ranges, which are less visually dramatic from altitude. Notable sights include: Waitakere Ranges, Tasman Sea coastline, Auckland urban sprawl, Manukau Harbour.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline during approach. The lake's massive expanse and the distinctive grid of the city's central business district are unmistakable from altitude. Left side faces inland toward the industrial areas and suburbs west of the city. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and grid pattern, Illinois prairie, Des Plaines River valley.
How long is the flight from Auckland to Chicago?
The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,192 miles (13,184 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Auckland to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 8 hours with no significant landmarks visible—open ocean dominates. After crossing the International Date Line, the route passes north of Hawaii (typically 300+ miles away, not visible). Approaching North America, the flight crosses the western coast near the Oregon-California border, revealing the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada mountains. The route then crosses the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains, with the Continental Divide visible as a major ridge system. Over the Great Plains, the landscape becomes increasingly flat and agricultural. The final approach to Chicago crosses the Illinois prairie and Lake Michigan.