While takeoff offers interesting desert and coastal views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more visually dramatic and recognizable scenery—Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, and the airport itself create a more memorable window experience for most passengers.
Flown AUH to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Chicago is 7,268 miles (11,697 km), a flight of about 14 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Zagros Mountains in western Iran (visible as a major north-south mountain range), the Mesopotamian plains of Iraq, the Taurus Mountains in southern Turkey, Eastern European plains, and the Great Lakes region approaching Chicago. Over the Atlantic, you'll see the curvature of the Earth and cloud formations, but few distinctive landmarks at cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Abu Dhabi's coastal geography as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the Persian Gulf shoreline, the Hajar Mountains becoming visible to the southeast, and the contrast between developed coastal areas and desert inland.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Midway. You'll see Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline, the Chicago skyline with the downtown core visible, and the transition from urban development to the surrounding Illinois landscape.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Chicago. While takeoff offers interesting desert and coastal views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more visually dramatic and recognizable scenery—Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, and the airport itself create a more memorable window experience for most passengers.
What can I see during takeoff from Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
During takeoff from Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Abu Dhabi's coastal geography as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the Persian Gulf shoreline, the Hajar Mountains becoming visible to the southeast, and the contrast between developed coastal areas and desert inland. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf coastline, Hajar Mountains (southeast), Abu Dhabi city grid and port facilities, Arabian Desert extending inland.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Midway. You'll see Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline, the Chicago skyline with the downtown core visible, and the transition from urban development to the surrounding Illinois landscape. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Midway's location on the southwest side of the city, Illinois prairie and suburban grid extending westward.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Chicago?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 14 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,268 miles (11,697 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Zagros Mountains in western Iran (visible as a major north-south mountain range), the Mesopotamian plains of Iraq, the Taurus Mountains in southern Turkey, Eastern European plains, and the Great Lakes region approaching Chicago. Over the Atlantic, you'll see the curvature of the Earth and cloud formations, but few distinctive landmarks at cruise altitude.