The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a scenic Athens and Saronic Gulf departure, plus a Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline arrival — while also facing south across the Alps and North Atlantic coastlines during cruise, giving it more variety and drama than the right side's flatter inland views.
Flown ATH to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Chicago is 5,450 miles (8,770 km), a flight of about 11 hours 45 minutes.
Adriatic Sea and Italian coastline, the Alps near the Italy-Switzerland border, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the southern tip of Greenland's ice-covered coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTDeparting ATH on the 03 heading, the aircraft banks west over Athens before turning onto its transatlantic course, putting the city, the Saronic Gulf, and the Attica coastline squarely on the left. The right side mostly shows the drier hills of inland Attica with less visual interest.
Landing at ORD
LEFTArrivals into ORD from the east typically descend over Lake Michigan and swing around before landing westbound on the parallel runways, which places the Chicago skyline and lakefront on the left side of the aircraft during the final turn and approach. The right side during this phase shows mostly flat suburban grid with little to distinguish it.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Chicago. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a scenic Athens and Saronic Gulf departure, plus a Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline arrival — while also facing south across the Alps and North Atlantic coastlines during cruise, giving it more variety and drama than the right side's flatter inland views.
What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ATH on the 03 heading, the aircraft banks west over Athens before turning onto its transatlantic course, putting the city, the Saronic Gulf, and the Attica coastline squarely on the left. The right side mostly shows the drier hills of inland Attica with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Athens cityscape and Acropolis area, Saronic Gulf, Piraeus harbor, Aegina island silhouette.
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. Arrivals into ORD from the east typically descend over Lake Michigan and swing around before landing westbound on the parallel runways, which places the Chicago skyline and lakefront on the left side of the aircraft during the final turn and approach. The right side during this phase shows mostly flat suburban grid with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop skyscrapers), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Chicago River mouth.
How long is the flight from Athens to Chicago?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 11 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,450 miles (8,770 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Chicago flight path pass over?
Adriatic Sea and Italian coastline, the Alps near the Italy-Switzerland border, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the southern tip of Greenland's ice-covered coast