Right-side seats win overall because the departure scenery from Amsterdam is more visually distinctive—the Wadden Islands and North Sea offer dramatic contrast to the polders. The landing views are comparable on both sides, but the takeoff advantage tips the balance to the right.
Flown AMS to DPA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Amsterdam to West Chicago is 4,124 miles (6,638 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea, then over the United Kingdom (you may see the English Midlands or East Anglia depending on routing), then the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5 hours. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers little but open ocean. As you approach North America, you'll cross the Canadian Maritimes or northeastern US coastline, then inland over the Great Lakes region (Lake Ontario or Lake Erie may be visible), and finally the Ohio River valley and Illinois prairie before descent into Chicago.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the North Sea coast and the Dutch coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Schiphol. You'll see the distinctive patchwork of Dutch polders, waterways, and the Wadden Sea islands receding below.
Landing at DPA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Chicago airspace. You'll see Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline, the Chicago skyline, and the urban sprawl of the greater Chicago metropolitan area as you approach from the northeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Du Page (DPA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to West Chicago. Right-side seats win overall because the departure scenery from Amsterdam is more visually distinctive—the Wadden Islands and North Sea offer dramatic contrast to the polders. The landing views are comparable on both sides, but the takeoff advantage tips the balance to the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the North Sea coast and the Dutch coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Schiphol. You'll see the distinctive patchwork of Dutch polders, waterways, and the Wadden Sea islands receding below. Notable sights include: North Sea, Wadden Islands (Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling), Dutch polders and canal network, IJsselmeer lake.
What can I see when landing at Du Page in West Chicago?
When landing at Du Page (DPA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Chicago airspace. You'll see Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline, the Chicago skyline, and the urban sprawl of the greater Chicago metropolitan area as you approach from the northeast. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and lakefront, Illinois prairie and suburban grid, Des Plaines River valley.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to West Chicago?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Du Page (DPA) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,124 miles (6,638 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Amsterdam to West Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea, then over the United Kingdom (you may see the English Midlands or East Anglia depending on routing), then the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5 hours. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers little but open ocean. As you approach North America, you'll cross the Canadian Maritimes or northeastern US coastline, then inland over the Great Lakes region (Lake Ontario or Lake Erie may be visible), and finally the Ohio River valley and Illinois prairie before descent into Chicago.