While takeoff favors the right for Montserrat and the Mediterranean, the landing approach into Midway strongly favors left seats for Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline—the more dramatic visual payoff. Left seats capture the most interesting geography on the approach phase.
Flown BCN to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Barcelona to Chicago is 4,408 miles (7,095 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet, passing north of the Azores, then over the North Atlantic. Passengers may see the southern tip of Greenland or the Canadian Arctic on clear days during the northern transatlantic corridor. The approach to North America brings views of the Great Lakes region, with Lake Michigan being the final major landmark before descent into Midway.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BCN
RIGHTBarcelona typically departs runway 07L/R toward the northwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Montserrat mountain range inland. Left seats face the city and airport infrastructure.
Landing at MDW
LEFTMidway typically uses runways 04L/R or 31L/R depending on wind. On approach from the east, left-side seats provide views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago shoreline, and downtown skyline. Right seats face inland residential areas.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barcelona (BCN) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Barcelona to Chicago. While takeoff favors the right for Montserrat and the Mediterranean, the landing approach into Midway strongly favors left seats for Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline—the more dramatic visual payoff. Left seats capture the most interesting geography on the approach phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Barcelona in Barcelona?
During takeoff from Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Barcelona typically departs runway 07L/R toward the northwest. Right-side seats offer views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Montserrat mountain range inland. Left seats face the city and airport infrastructure. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea (immediate right), Montserrat massif (inland, northwest), Llobregat River delta (below), Barcelona urban sprawl (left and behind).
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 uses runways 04L/R or 31L/R depending on wind. On approach from the east, left-side seats provide views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago shoreline, and downtown skyline. Right seats face inland residential areas. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (dominant), Chicago downtown skyline (near landing), Grant Park waterfront (south of downtown), Indiana shoreline (far right, across lake).
How long is the flight from Barcelona to Chicago?
The flight from Barcelona (BCN) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,408 miles (7,095 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Barcelona to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet, passing north of the Azores, then over the North Atlantic. Passengers may see the southern tip of Greenland or the Canadian Arctic on clear days during the northern transatlantic corridor. The approach to North America brings views of the Great Lakes region, with Lake Michigan being the final major landmark before descent into Midway.