Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Arabian Sea and Mumbai's coastal landscape at departure, then the Himalayas and Central Asian highlands during the long trans-continental cruise, and finally the Great Lakes region approaching Chicago. Left side offers less consistent visual interest over the full route.
Flown BOM to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bombay to Chicago is 8,042 miles (12,943 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then over the Middle East (Persian Gulf, Zagros Mountains visible from altitude), continues over the Caspian Sea region, crosses southern Russia and Kazakhstan, then over Eastern Europe (Carpathian Mountains, Dnieper River valley), the Atlantic approaches, and finally descends over the Great Lakes region. Right-side seats offer glimpses of the Zagros Mountains (Iran), the Caspian's eastern shoreline, and the Carpathian ridge during daylight portions. The Himalayas are generally too far south of this typical routing to be visible.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Mumbai's coastal geography immediately after departure. You'll see the Arabian Sea, the city's western sprawl, and the Sahyadri Mountains rising inland to the east.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats during approach to Chicago provide views of Lake Michigan, the city's downtown skyline, and the Illinois plains. You'll see the lake's vast expanse and the urban core as you descend toward O'Hare.
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 Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bombay to Chicago. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Arabian Sea and Mumbai's coastal landscape at departure, then the Himalayas and Central Asian highlands during the long trans-continental cruise, and finally the Great Lakes region approaching Chicago. Left side offers less consistent visual interest over the full route.
What can I see during takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Bombay?
During takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Mumbai's coastal geography immediately after departure. You'll see the Arabian Sea, the city's western sprawl, and the Sahyadri Mountains rising inland to the east. Notable sights include: Arabian Sea (west), Mumbai city grid and harbor (south and southwest), Sahyadri Mountains (east, appearing as a distant ridge), Thane Creek and mangrove areas (southeast).
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. Left-side seats during approach to Chicago provide views of Lake Michigan, the city's downtown skyline, and the Illinois plains. You'll see the lake's vast expanse and the urban core as you descend toward O'Hare. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (dominant, west of the airport), Chicago downtown skyline and Loop district (south and southwest), Illinois prairie and suburban grid (west and northwest), Des Plaines River valley (north).
How long is the flight from Bombay to Chicago?
The flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,042 miles (12,943 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bombay to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, then over the Middle East (Persian Gulf, Zagros Mountains visible from altitude), continues over the Caspian Sea region, crosses southern Russia and Kazakhstan, then over Eastern Europe (Carpathian Mountains, Dnieper River valley), the Atlantic approaches, and finally descends over the Great Lakes region. Right-side seats offer glimpses of the Zagros Mountains (Iran), the Caspian's eastern shoreline, and the Carpathian ridge during daylight portions. The Himalayas are generally too far south of this typical routing to be visible.