While the takeoff offers interesting volcanic terrain on the right, the landing approach into Chicago provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery—Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline are far more visually striking than Rome's suburban climb-out. Left seats capture the most memorable portion of this transatlantic flight.
Flown CIA to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rome to Chicago is 4,825 miles (7,765 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the Alps (visible from altitude as a jagged white ridge if departing in clear conditions), then proceeds over the Atlantic. Midway across the Atlantic, no significant landmarks are visible—only open ocean. As the aircraft approaches North America, Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritime provinces appear on the horizon before the final descent into the Great Lakes region. The entire transatlantic crossing offers minimal scenic variation except at the European and North American endpoints.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CIA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Alban Hills and the Tiber River valley as the aircraft climbs southeast from Ciampino. The terrain rises immediately to the right, providing clear visibility of Rome's surrounding topography.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during the descent into Chicago. Aircraft typically approach ORD from the northeast over Lake Michigan, and left seats face the lake, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the Illinois plains to the west—the primary visual corridor for final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ciampino (CIA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rome to Chicago. While the takeoff offers interesting volcanic terrain on the right, the landing approach into Chicago provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery—Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline are far more visually striking than Rome's suburban climb-out. Left seats capture the most memorable portion of this transatlantic flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Ciampino in Rome?
During takeoff from Ciampino (CIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Alban Hills and the Tiber River valley as the aircraft climbs southeast from Ciampino. The terrain rises immediately to the right, providing clear visibility of Rome's surrounding topography. Notable sights include: Alban Hills (Castelli Romani), Tiber River valley, Rome urban sprawl to the northwest, Mediterranean coast to the southwest.
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 provide the best views during the descent into Chicago. Aircraft typically approach ORD from the northeast over Lake Michigan, and left seats face the lake, downtown Chicago's skyline, and the Illinois plains to the west—the primary visual corridor for final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Illinois River valley, suburban sprawl extending west toward the horizon.
How long is the flight from Rome to Chicago?
The flight from Ciampino (CIA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,825 miles (7,765 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rome to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps (visible from altitude as a jagged white ridge if departing in clear conditions), then proceeds over the Atlantic. Midway across the Atlantic, no significant landmarks are visible—only open ocean. As the aircraft approaches North America, Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritime provinces appear on the horizon before the final descent into the Great Lakes region. The entire transatlantic crossing offers minimal scenic variation except at the European and North American endpoints.