The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a dramatic Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline view on departure, and the iconic Chicago skyline over Lake Michigan on arrival, while the long transatlantic cruise portion is scenically neutral for both sides.
Flown IST to MDW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Chicago is 5,463 miles (8,792 km), a flight of about 11 hours 5 minutes.
Southern Greenland's ice cap and fjord coastline, the Labrador Sea, and Hudson Bay's southern shoreline are crossed during the cruise phase, though visibility depends on cloud cover over the North Atlantic.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST, flights heading northwest toward the Balkans typically bank left after takeoff, giving a sweeping view back over the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the dense skyline of Istanbul's European and Asian sides. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thrace countryside with less to see.
Landing at MDW
LEFTOn approach to MDW from the northeast, aircraft often descend over Lake Michigan before banking south toward runway 13C, putting the Chicago skyline and lakefront on the left side. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in North America, with the lake's turquoise nearshore waters contrasting the skyscrapers.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Chicago. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a dramatic Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline view on departure, and the iconic Chicago skyline over Lake Michigan on arrival, while the long transatlantic cruise portion is scenically neutral for both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST, flights heading northwest toward the Balkans typically bank left after takeoff, giving a sweeping view back over the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the dense skyline of Istanbul's European and Asian sides. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thrace countryside with less to see. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul city skyline, Princes' Islands.
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. On approach to MDW from the northeast, aircraft often descend over Lake Michigan before banking south toward runway 13C, putting the Chicago skyline and lakefront on the left side. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in North America, with the lake's turquoise nearshore waters contrasting the skyscrapers. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears/Willis area), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Midway's residential grid.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Chicago?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 11 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,463 miles (8,792 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Chicago flight path pass over?
Southern Greenland's ice cap and fjord coastline, the Labrador Sea, and Hudson Bay's southern shoreline are crossed during the cruise phase, though visibility depends on cloud cover over the North Atlantic.