The right side captures the most dramatic scenery at both ends: Dublin Bay and the Irish coastline on departure, and Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline on arrival. The transatlantic crossing itself offers less distinctive landmarks, making the endpoints the priority.
Flown DUB to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dublin to Chicago is 3,666 miles (5,901 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for most of the journey. Over the open ocean (roughly 12-14 hours into flight), you may see the southern tip of Greenland or the Canadian Arctic islands depending on routing, but these appear as distant, low landmasses on the horizon. As the aircraft approaches North America, Newfoundland and Labrador become visible on the left (north) side, followed by the Canadian Maritime provinces. The Great Lakes region emerges as the aircraft descends toward Chicago, with Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron becoming progressively more distinct.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUB
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Dublin Bay and the Irish coastline as the aircraft climbs northeastward over the Irish Sea. You'll see the distinctive curve of the bay and the Wicklow Mountains inland to the south.
Landing at MDW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Chicago Midway. You'll see Lake Michigan on approach, along with the Chicago skyline and the grid of the city's neighborhoods spreading inland from the lakefront.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dublin (DUB) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dublin to Chicago. The right side captures the most dramatic scenery at both ends: Dublin Bay and the Irish coastline on departure, and Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline on arrival. The transatlantic crossing itself offers less distinctive landmarks, making the endpoints the priority.
What can I see during takeoff from Dublin in Dublin?
During takeoff from Dublin (DUB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Dublin Bay and the Irish coastline as the aircraft climbs northeastward over the Irish Sea. You'll see the distinctive curve of the bay and the Wicklow Mountains inland to the south. Notable sights include: Dublin Bay, Irish Sea, Wicklow Mountains, Howth Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Chicago Midway. You'll see Lake Michigan on approach, along with the Chicago skyline and the grid of the city's neighborhoods spreading inland from the lakefront. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago skyline, Chicago grid street pattern, Indiana shoreline.
How long is the flight from Dublin to Chicago?
The flight from Dublin (DUB) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,666 miles (5,901 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dublin to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for most of the journey. Over the open ocean (roughly 12-14 hours into flight), you may see the southern tip of Greenland or the Canadian Arctic islands depending on routing, but these appear as distant, low landmasses on the horizon. As the aircraft approaches North America, Newfoundland and Labrador become visible on the left (north) side, followed by the Canadian Maritime provinces. The Great Lakes region emerges as the aircraft descends toward Chicago, with Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron becoming progressively more distinct.