While takeoff offers compelling Baltic Sea views on the right, the landing approach into Chicago provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with Lake Michigan and the iconic skyline on the left. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown HEL to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to Chicago is 4,431 miles (7,131 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The route crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude, passing north of the British Isles and Iceland. Depending on exact routing, you may see Greenland's ice sheet (far north), the Atlantic Ocean for most of the crossing, and then the Canadian Maritime provinces and Great Lakes region as you approach North America. The flight path typically follows a great circle route across the northern Atlantic, with no major landmarks visible for the 6-7 hour oceanic portion.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
RIGHTHelsinki Vantaa typically departs runways 04L/04R (northeast heading) or 22L/22R (southwest heading). Right-side seats offer views of the Baltic Sea and the Finnish archipelago during northeast departures, or the lakes and forests of southern Finland during southwest departures. Right side captures the most dramatic water features either way.
Landing at MDW
LEFTApproaching Chicago Midway on typical landing runways 04L/04R (northeast) or 22L/22R (southwest), left-side seats provide superior views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. During northeast approaches, the left side faces the lake directly; during southwest approaches, the left side captures the downtown skyline and lakefront as you descend over the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Chicago. While takeoff offers compelling Baltic Sea views on the right, the landing approach into Chicago provides more dramatic and sustained visual interest with Lake Michigan and the iconic skyline on the left. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Helsinki Vantaa typically departs runways 04L/04R (northeast heading) or 22L/22R (southwest heading). Right-side seats offer views of the Baltic Sea and the Finnish archipelago during northeast departures, or the lakes and forests of southern Finland during southwest departures. Right side captures the most dramatic water features either way. Notable sights include: Baltic Sea (immediate east), Lake Tuusula (south), Finnish archipelago with thousands of islands (southeast), Nuuksio National Park forests (north).
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. Approaching Chicago Midway on typical landing runways 04L/04R (northeast) or 22L/22R (southwest), left-side seats provide superior views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. During northeast approaches, the left side faces the lake directly; during southwest approaches, the left side captures the downtown skyline and lakefront as you descend over the city. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (dominant water feature), Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower (south), Midway Airport grounds and surrounding neighborhoods (north and west), Des Plaines River (west).
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Chicago?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,431 miles (7,131 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Chicago flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude, passing north of the British Isles and Iceland. Depending on exact routing, you may see Greenland's ice sheet (far north), the Atlantic Ocean for most of the crossing, and then the Canadian Maritime provinces and Great Lakes region as you approach North America. The flight path typically follows a great circle route across the northern Atlantic, with no major landmarks visible for the 6-7 hour oceanic portion.