The right side wins because it holds the scenic advantage for both the Frankfurt departure and the long North Atlantic cruise past Greenland's ice cap and the Labrador coast, while the left side's payoff is limited to the brief Chicago approach after hours of open ocean.
Flight Path
Southern tip of Greenland with its ice cap and coastal fjords, the Labrador Sea and coast, and the southern reaches of Hudson Bay before the route crosses into northern Ontario and the Great Lakes basin
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
RIGHTFRA departures on runway 25 typically bank right shortly after liftoff to join the northbound corridor toward the North Sea, swinging Frankfurt's skyline and the Rhine valley into view on the right side before the aircraft levels onto its transatlantic heading.
Landing at ORD
LEFTO'Hare arrivals landing westbound approach from the east, and downtown Chicago sits just south of that final approach line, putting the skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline in view on the left side during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Chicago. The right side wins because it holds the scenic advantage for both the Frankfurt departure and the long North Atlantic cruise past Greenland's ice cap and the Labrador coast, while the left side's payoff is limited to the brief Chicago approach after hours of open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Right side for the best views. FRA departures on runway 25 typically bank right shortly after liftoff to join the northbound corridor toward the North Sea, swinging Frankfurt's skyline and the Rhine valley into view on the right side before the aircraft levels onto its transatlantic heading. Notable sights include: Frankfurt skyline (Commerzbank Tower, Messeturm), Rhine-Main river confluence, Taunus hills, Wiesbaden.
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. O'Hare arrivals landing westbound approach from the east, and downtown Chicago sits just south of that final approach line, putting the skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline in view on the left side during descent. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Chicago's northern suburbs.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Chicago?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 9h 50m.
What does the Frankfurt to Chicago flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Greenland with its ice cap and coastal fjords, the Labrador Sea and coast, and the southern reaches of Hudson Bay before the route crosses into northern Ontario and the Great Lakes basin