Right-side seats offer superior views on both legs: eastbound departure from Berlin showcases the Spree and Brandenburg lakes, and westbound arrival into Chicago provides the dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline and downtown skyline. The right side captures the most geographically distinctive features of both cities.
Flown BER to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Berlin to Chicago is 4,420 miles (7,113 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing north of Ireland and the UK, then over the Canadian Maritimes and the Great Lakes region. Notable features include the Irish coast (if visible during daylight), the Greenland ice sheet (far north on polar routing), the Labrador coast, and the transition from maritime to continental terrain as the aircraft approaches North America. Most of this oceanic crossing offers limited ground features, but clear-air turbulence zones near the jet stream and occasional aurora displays (depending on season and solar activity) may be visible from higher altitudes.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BER
RIGHTBER typically departs eastbound (runways 07L/07R) or westbound (25L/25R). Right-side seats on an eastbound departure offer views of the Spree River winding through Berlin's city center and the distinctive lakes of the Müggelsee region southeast of the airport. Westbound departures favor left seats, but eastbound is more common for transatlantic traffic.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTMDW typically lands westbound (runways 31L/31R) or eastbound (13L/13R). Right-side seats on a westbound approach offer views of Lake Michigan's shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the distinctive grid of the South Side neighborhoods. Eastbound approaches are less common for transatlantic arrivals.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Berlin to Chicago. Right-side seats offer superior views on both legs: eastbound departure from Berlin showcases the Spree and Brandenburg lakes, and westbound arrival into Chicago provides the dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline and downtown skyline. The right side captures the most geographically distinctive features of both cities.
What can I see during takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
During takeoff from Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Right side for the best views. BER typically departs eastbound (runways 07L/07R) or westbound (25L/25R). Right-side seats on an eastbound departure offer views of the Spree River winding through Berlin's city center and the distinctive lakes of the Müggelsee region southeast of the airport. Westbound departures favor left seats, but eastbound is more common for transatlantic traffic. Notable sights include: Spree River (visible as a dark ribbon through central Berlin), Müggelsee (largest lake in Brandenburg, southeast of airport), Köpenick district with its distinctive island formations, Tegeler See (northwest, visible on initial climb).
What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. MDW typically lands westbound (runways 31L/31R) or eastbound (13L/13R). Right-side seats on a westbound approach offer views of Lake Michigan's shoreline, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the distinctive grid of the South Side neighborhoods. Eastbound approaches are less common for transatlantic arrivals. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (massive freshwater body dominating the eastern horizon), Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower and clustered high-rises visible 8-10 miles north), Midway Airport's runways and taxiways (visible at 2,000-3,000 feet), industrial South Side neighborhoods with grid street pattern.
How long is the flight from Berlin to Chicago?
The flight from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,420 miles (7,113 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Berlin to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing north of Ireland and the UK, then over the Canadian Maritimes and the Great Lakes region. Notable features include the Irish coast (if visible during daylight), the Greenland ice sheet (far north on polar routing), the Labrador coast, and the transition from maritime to continental terrain as the aircraft approaches North America. Most of this oceanic crossing offers limited ground features, but clear-air turbulence zones near the jet stream and occasional aurora displays (depending on season and solar activity) may be visible from higher altitudes.