Right side captures the more dramatic scenery: the Bay of Bengal and Indian coastline during departure, plus the Arctic/subarctic landscape over northern Canada and the Great Lakes region during the approach phase. Left side offers some Lake Michigan views but misses the coastal drama of the departure.
Flown MAA to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madras to Chicago is 8,564 miles (13,782 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
This routing typically crosses the Arabian Sea, Middle East (Persian Gulf region), over Iran/Iraq, into Turkey, across Europe (Alps visible on clear days), over the Atlantic, Greenland's ice sheet and fjords, Canadian Arctic archipelago, Hudson Bay, and finally the Great Lakes region. The most visually striking midpoint features are the Alps (if routed south of typical path), Greenland's glaciated terrain and fjord systems, and the transition from Arctic tundra to temperate North American landscape.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAA
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Bay of Bengal coastline and the Coromandel Coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Chennai. You'll see the transition from urban sprawl to coastal waters and the distinctive curved shoreline that defines this region.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft side during approach to Chicago provides views of Lake Michigan and the city's downtown skyline. As the aircraft descends from the northwest, you'll see the lake's massive expanse and the distinctive grid of Chicago's urban core along the shoreline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chennai International (MAA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madras to Chicago. Right side captures the more dramatic scenery: the Bay of Bengal and Indian coastline during departure, plus the Arctic/subarctic landscape over northern Canada and the Great Lakes region during the approach phase. Left side offers some Lake Michigan views but misses the coastal drama of the departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Chennai International in Madras?
During takeoff from Chennai International (MAA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Bay of Bengal coastline and the Coromandel Coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Chennai. You'll see the transition from urban sprawl to coastal waters and the distinctive curved shoreline that defines this region. Notable sights include: Bay of Bengal, Coromandel Coast, Chennai urban grid, Pulicat Lake (northern lagoon system).
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. Left side during approach to Chicago provides views of Lake Michigan and the city's downtown skyline. As the aircraft descends from the northwest, you'll see the lake's massive expanse and the distinctive grid of Chicago's urban core along the shoreline. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and grid, Illinois plains, Des Plaines River valley.
How long is the flight from Madras to Chicago?
The flight from Chennai International (MAA) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,564 miles (13,782 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madras to Chicago flight path pass over?
This routing typically crosses the Arabian Sea, Middle East (Persian Gulf region), over Iran/Iraq, into Turkey, across Europe (Alps visible on clear days), over the Atlantic, Greenland's ice sheet and fjords, Canadian Arctic archipelago, Hudson Bay, and finally the Great Lakes region. The most visually striking midpoint features are the Alps (if routed south of typical path), Greenland's glaciated terrain and fjord systems, and the transition from Arctic tundra to temperate North American landscape.