The right side strings together the flight's best moments: Windsor Castle on departure, the rugged Irish and Labrador coastlines plus a chance of distant Greenland ice during the Atlantic crossing, and the Chicago skyline over Lake Michigan on arrival. The left side is dominated by open ocean and featureless Quebec/Ontario forest with no comparable landmarks.
Flight Path
Irish coastline near Shannon, North Atlantic Ocean, southern Labrador coast, Hudson Bay lowlands, Great Lakes region approaching Lake Michigan
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTWesterly departures off 27L/27R climb out over the Thames Valley, and the right side often catches a glimpse of Windsor Castle and the winding Thames just northwest of the airport before the aircraft turns onto its oceanic heading. The left side mostly shows flat Surrey/Berkshire suburbs with less definition.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArrivals into O'Hare from the east frequently cross Lake Michigan before turning to land on the westerly-facing runways, and that turn typically brings downtown Chicago into view on the right side of the aircraft. The skyline, lakefront, and Navy Pier are all visible for a minute or two before the final approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Chicago. The right side strings together the flight's best moments: Windsor Castle on departure, the rugged Irish and Labrador coastlines plus a chance of distant Greenland ice during the Atlantic crossing, and the Chicago skyline over Lake Michigan on arrival. The left side is dominated by open ocean and featureless Quebec/Ontario forest with no comparable landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Westerly departures off 27L/27R climb out over the Thames Valley, and the right side often catches a glimpse of Windsor Castle and the winding Thames just northwest of the airport before the aircraft turns onto its oceanic heading. The left side mostly shows flat Surrey/Berkshire suburbs with less definition. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle, River Thames bends, Berkshire countryside, western London suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into O'Hare from the east frequently cross Lake Michigan before turning to land on the westerly-facing runways, and that turn typically brings downtown Chicago into view on the right side of the aircraft. The skyline, lakefront, and Navy Pier are all visible for a minute or two before the final approach. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Sears Tower area), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park.
How long is the flight from London to Chicago?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes 9h 05m.
What does the London to Chicago flight path pass over?
Irish coastline near Shannon, North Atlantic Ocean, southern Labrador coast, Hudson Bay lowlands, Great Lakes region approaching Lake Michigan