While the takeoff offers Paris views, the landing provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline. The contrast between water and urban landscape is more striking than the flat French countryside.
Flown CDG to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Chicago is 4,144 miles (6,669 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant visible landmarks for roughly 5-6 hours. Over the North Atlantic, you may see the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland (depending on routing) as a distant landmass. Upon approaching North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces and Newfoundland become visible. The flight then crosses over Quebec and Ontario, where the Canadian Shield's lakes and forests dominate the landscape. As you approach the Great Lakes region, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan become visible, with the transition from boreal forest to agricultural Midwest occurring over Michigan and Indiana.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region. You'll see the city's urban sprawl and the agricultural plains extending northwestward toward Normandy.
Landing at MDW
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline as you approach from the east over the lake. The contrast between the vast blue water and the urban grid is striking, and you'll see the lakefront neighborhoods and the city's distinctive layout.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Chicago. While the takeoff offers Paris views, the landing provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline. The contrast between water and urban landscape is more striking than the flat French countryside.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region. You'll see the city's urban sprawl and the agricultural plains extending northwestward toward Normandy. Notable sights include: Seine River, Paris urban area, Île-de-France agricultural plains, Forest of Fontainebleau (distant, southeast).
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. Right side provides excellent views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's downtown skyline as you approach from the east over the lake. The contrast between the vast blue water and the urban grid is striking, and you'll see the lakefront neighborhoods and the city's distinctive layout. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and Loop district, Chicago lakefront parks, Indiana shoreline (distant, southeast).
How long is the flight from Paris to Chicago?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,144 miles (6,669 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant visible landmarks for roughly 5-6 hours. Over the North Atlantic, you may see the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland (depending on routing) as a distant landmass. Upon approaching North America, the Canadian Maritime provinces and Newfoundland become visible. The flight then crosses over Quebec and Ontario, where the Canadian Shield's lakes and forests dominate the landscape. As you approach the Great Lakes region, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan become visible, with the transition from boreal forest to agricultural Midwest occurring over Michigan and Indiana.