The right side wins on nearly every phase: a scenic Gulf-coast takeoff, glimpses of the Zagros Mountains and Caspian Sea during the Iran overflight, the vast white expanse of the Greenland ice sheet at cruise altitude, and a lakefront Chicago approach. The left side mostly shows featureless desert, open ocean, and Canadian tundra.
Flight Path
The great-circle route crosses the Zagros Mountains of Iran, the Caspian Sea, southern Russia, Scandinavia, and the Greenland ice sheet before descending over Hudson Bay and central Canada into the Great Lakes region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTDeparting AUH toward the northwest, the right side faces the Abu Dhabi corniche, the artificial islands of Saadiyat and Yas, and the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. The left side only shows flat desert scrubland with little to distinguish it.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTFlights into ORD from the north typically curve southward over Lake Michigan before turning onto final approach, putting the lakefront and Chicago's skyline on the right side of the aircraft. This gives a strong visual payoff after a long, mostly featureless polar cruise.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Chicago. The right side wins on nearly every phase: a scenic Gulf-coast takeoff, glimpses of the Zagros Mountains and Caspian Sea during the Iran overflight, the vast white expanse of the Greenland ice sheet at cruise altitude, and a lakefront Chicago approach. The left side mostly shows featureless desert, open ocean, and Canadian tundra.
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. Departing AUH toward the northwest, the right side faces the Abu Dhabi corniche, the artificial islands of Saadiyat and Yas, and the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. The left side only shows flat desert scrubland with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi skyline, Yas Island, Persian Gulf coastline, Saadiyat Island.
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. Flights into ORD from the north typically curve southward over Lake Michigan before turning onto final approach, putting the lakefront and Chicago's skyline on the right side of the aircraft. This gives a strong visual payoff after a long, mostly featureless polar cruise. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline and Willis Tower, Navy Pier, O'Hare's surrounding grid suburbs.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Chicago?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 14h 10m.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Chicago flight path pass over?
The great-circle route crosses the Zagros Mountains of Iran, the Caspian Sea, southern Russia, Scandinavia, and the Greenland ice sheet before descending over Hudson Bay and central Canada into the Great Lakes region.