Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from West Chicago to Amsterdam. Neither side offers dramatic terrain since this route crosses the flat Midwest, the Atlantic, and the flat Dutch coast, but the left side gets a slight edge for consistent visibility of the Great Lakes region and, on very clear days, glimpses of the Irish coast during the transatlantic crossing.

During takeoff from Du Page (DPA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DPA/Chicago area eastbound to northeast, the right side gives a brief glimpse of Lake Michigan's southern shoreline and the Chicago suburbs before the route heads out over the Midwest. It's the only real geographic feature in the first few minutes. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan southern shoreline, Chicago suburban grid, Fox River valley.

When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Schiphol from the east or south, the right side often reveals the North Sea coastline, Amsterdam's canal rings, and the flat polder landscape with its characteristic reclaimed-land geometry. It's a distinctive, uniquely Dutch view even without mountains. Notable sights include: IJsselmeer, Amsterdam canal ring, North Sea coastline, polder farmland grid.

The flight from Du Page (DPA) to Schiphol (AMS) takes 8h 40m.

Great Lakes region, followed by several hours over the open North Atlantic Ocean, with a possible distant glimpse of the Irish or British coastline before the descent into the Netherlands' flat coastal plain.