While the Chicago takeoff offers a solid lake-and-skyline view, the long transatlantic cruise over open ocean and Canadian wilderness is scenically quiet on both sides, so the trip's highlight is the Paris approach, giving the left side a slight edge for its glimpse of the city and Seine valley.
Flown MDW to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Paris is 4,144 miles (6,669 km), a flight of about 8 hours 10 minutes.
Route passes over the Great Lakes region, southern Quebec, Labrador, the North Atlantic, and the southwestern coast of Ireland before crossing the English Channel into northern France.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTDeparting Midway to the northeast toward the transatlantic corridor, the climb-out swings the aircraft over Chicago's south and east side, putting Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline on the right side of the plane. The left side mostly shows flat Illinois suburbs and farmland.
Landing at CDG
LEFTOn the westbound descent into CDG, the approach path curves in from the northeast before turning to line up with the 26/27 runways, giving passengers on the left side a distant view south toward central Paris, including the Seine valley, before the final turn onto the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Paris. While the Chicago takeoff offers a solid lake-and-skyline view, the long transatlantic cruise over open ocean and Canadian wilderness is scenically quiet on both sides, so the trip's highlight is the Paris approach, giving the left side a slight edge for its glimpse of the city and Seine valley.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Midway to the northeast toward the transatlantic corridor, the climb-out swings the aircraft over Chicago's south and east side, putting Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline on the right side of the plane. The left side mostly shows flat Illinois suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower area), Midway/south side neighborhoods.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the westbound descent into CDG, the approach path curves in from the northeast before turning to line up with the 26/27 runways, giving passengers on the left side a distant view south toward central Paris, including the Seine valley, before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Distant Paris skyline (La Défense, Eiffel Tower silhouette), Seine river bends, Marne valley farmland, CDG terminal complex.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Paris?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 8 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,144 miles (6,669 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Paris flight path pass over?
Route passes over the Great Lakes region, southern Quebec, Labrador, the North Atlantic, and the southwestern coast of Ireland before crossing the English Channel into northern France.