The right side delivers the more memorable departure view over Amsterdam and the Dutch coast, and during the transatlantic portion offers southern Greenland ice cap views on some routing variations. The landing view from the left is excellent but shorter in duration. Right side wins on total scenic value across the flight.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest over the North Sea, crosses the southern tip of the UK or northern Scotland depending on routing, then heads across the North Atlantic. Typical great circle routing passes south of Iceland and over southern Greenland where the ice sheet and fjord coastline are visible on clear days. The flight then crosses Labrador and Quebec in Canada, where boreal forest, lakes, and the Canadian Shield are visible, before descending over the Great Lakes region and into Illinois.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTSchiphol typically departs westward on runway 18R/36L or uses the Polderbaan (18R) heading northwest, then turns west over the North Sea. A right-side seat gives you a clear view back over Amsterdam's canal ring, the IJ waterway, and the distinctive patchwork of Dutch polders before the coast disappears behind you.
Landing at MDW
LEFTMidway typically lands on runway 31C or 13C depending on wind. On the common 31C approach from the southeast, a left-side seat looks north over the Chicago lakefront, Grant Park, and the downtown Loop skyline as you descend over the South Side neighborhoods. The Willis Tower and the dense cluster of Loop skyscrapers are clearly identifiable on the left.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Chicago. The right side delivers the more memorable departure view over Amsterdam and the Dutch coast, and during the transatlantic portion offers southern Greenland ice cap views on some routing variations. The landing view from the left is excellent but shorter in duration. Right side wins on total scenic value across the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Schiphol typically departs westward on runway 18R/36L or uses the Polderbaan (18R) heading northwest, then turns west over the North Sea. A right-side seat gives you a clear view back over Amsterdam's canal ring, the IJ waterway, and the distinctive patchwork of Dutch polders before the coast disappears behind you. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring from above, IJ waterway and Amsterdam harbour, Dutch polder grid pattern, North Sea coastline at Zandvoort.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Midway typically lands on runway 31C or 13C depending on wind. On the common 31C approach from the southeast, a left-side seat looks north over the Chicago lakefront, Grant Park, and the downtown Loop skyline as you descend over the South Side neighborhoods. The Willis Tower and the dense cluster of Loop skyscrapers are clearly identifiable on the left. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline including Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline and lakefront parks, South Side residential grid, Midway Airport runway layout.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Chicago?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Amsterdam to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the North Sea, crosses the southern tip of the UK or northern Scotland depending on routing, then heads across the North Atlantic. Typical great circle routing passes south of Iceland and over southern Greenland where the ice sheet and fjord coastline are visible on clear days. The flight then crosses Labrador and Quebec in Canada, where boreal forest, lakes, and the Canadian Shield are visible, before descending over the Great Lakes region and into Illinois.