Left side wins at both ends of the flight — Paris on departure and the Chicago lakefront on arrival. Over the Atlantic and Canadian Shield the views are largely symmetric, but the left seat delivers the two most dramatic urban geography moments of the entire route.
Flown LBG to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Chicago is 4,138 miles (6,660 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest from Paris over the English Channel, then across southern England before heading out over the North Atlantic. The route passes south of Greenland's ice sheet (visible as a white mass on the horizon in clear conditions), then crosses Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, followed by the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted boreal forest over Quebec and Ontario, before descending over the Great Lakes region into Chicago.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LBG
LEFTLe Bourget's primary departure runway 27 sends aircraft westward, and a left (south-facing) seat gives you a clear view over central Paris as you climb out. You'll see the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann grid of the city below before turning northwest toward the Atlantic.
Landing at ORD
LEFTORD's dominant arrival flow from the east on runways 10L/10R or 28R/28L means a left (south-facing) seat gives you the best view of downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan as you descend over the southern suburbs. The lakefront and the Loop are clearly visible on approach from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Le Bourget (LBG) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Chicago. Left side wins at both ends of the flight — Paris on departure and the Chicago lakefront on arrival. Over the Atlantic and Canadian Shield the views are largely symmetric, but the left seat delivers the two most dramatic urban geography moments of the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from Le Bourget in Paris?
During takeoff from Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Le Bourget's primary departure runway 27 sends aircraft westward, and a left (south-facing) seat gives you a clear view over central Paris as you climb out. You'll see the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann grid of the city below before turning northwest toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Central Paris city grid and Seine river bends, Eiffel Tower (visible as a thin spire from 3,000-8,000 ft), Bois de Boulogne forest to the west, La Défense business district towers.
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. ORD's dominant arrival flow from the east on runways 10L/10R or 28R/28L means a left (south-facing) seat gives you the best view of downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan as you descend over the southern suburbs. The lakefront and the Loop are clearly visible on approach from the east. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline and Chicago lakefront, Downtown Chicago Loop skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Chicago River grid visible in the urban fabric, Suburban sprawl of Cook County.
How long is the flight from Paris to Chicago?
The flight from Le Bourget (LBG) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,138 miles (6,660 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest from Paris over the English Channel, then across southern England before heading out over the North Atlantic. The route passes south of Greenland's ice sheet (visible as a white mass on the horizon in clear conditions), then crosses Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, followed by the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted boreal forest over Quebec and Ontario, before descending over the Great Lakes region into Chicago.