Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left seat delivers the Chicago skyline on departure and Amsterdam's canal ring and IJ waterway on arrival, making it the clear choice for the whole journey.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast from Chicago across Lake Michigan's northern tip, then over southern Ontario and Quebec, before crossing Newfoundland and Labrador near St. John's. The North Atlantic crossing passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Landfall in Europe is typically over Ireland or northern Scotland, then across the North Sea into the Netherlands. Notable features include the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted boreal landscape, the Newfoundland coastline, and on clear days the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet visible on the left side in the distance.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTMidway's most common departures are on runway 31C/31L heading northwest, which puts the left side facing northeast toward downtown Chicago. You get a clear view of the Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, and the lakefront parks as the aircraft climbs out over the south side.
Landing at AMS
LEFTSchiphol's primary arrival runways (18R/18C from the north, or 06 from the west) typically position the left side facing south or southeast toward Amsterdam city center and the IJ waterway. On the common 18R approach from the north, the left side looks east over Amsterdam's canal ring and the Amstel River as you descend.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Amsterdam. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left seat delivers the Chicago skyline on departure and Amsterdam's canal ring and IJ waterway on arrival, making it the clear choice for the whole journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Midway's most common departures are on runway 31C/31L heading northwest, which puts the left side facing northeast toward downtown Chicago. You get a clear view of the Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, and the lakefront parks as the aircraft climbs out over the south side. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Chicago River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol's primary arrival runways (18R/18C from the north, or 06 from the west) typically position the left side facing south or southeast toward Amsterdam city center and the IJ waterway. On the common 18R approach from the north, the left side looks east over Amsterdam's canal ring and the Amstel River as you descend. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring district, IJ waterway and Amsterdam harbor, Amstel River, Haarlemermeer polder flatlands.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Amsterdam?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Schiphol (AMS) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What does the Chicago to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from Chicago across Lake Michigan's northern tip, then over southern Ontario and Quebec, before crossing Newfoundland and Labrador near St. John's. The North Atlantic crossing passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Landfall in Europe is typically over Ireland or northern Scotland, then across the North Sea into the Netherlands. Notable features include the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted boreal landscape, the Newfoundland coastline, and on clear days the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet visible on the left side in the distance.