While landing views on the left are spectacular, the takeoff from Chicago offers more extended scenic value. Right-side seats capture Lake Michigan's expanse during climb and provide better views during the long transatlantic/transoceanic cruise phase over the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Middle East regions.
Flown MDW to DXB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Dubai is 7,240 miles (11,652 km), a flight of about 15 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean (no major landmarks visible except open water), passes over or near Greenland's southern tip (ice sheets visible on clear days), crosses Iceland's southern coast (volcanic terrain and glaciers), continues over the North Atlantic, then over the British Isles and continental Europe (Alps visible on clear days), crosses the Mediterranean Sea, passes over North Africa (Sahara Desert with visible dune patterns), and enters the Middle East over the Arabian Peninsula before descending into Dubai.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs eastward from Midway. You'll see the Chicago shoreline and the lake's expanse stretching toward the horizon, which is more visually interesting than the inland western approach.
Landing at DXB
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Persian Gulf coastline and Dubai's distinctive coastal development as you descend toward DXB. The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina are visible on approach, along with the Arabian Gulf's turquoise waters.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Dubai. While landing views on the left are spectacular, the takeoff from Chicago offers more extended scenic value. Right-side seats capture Lake Michigan's expanse during climb and provide better views during the long transatlantic/transoceanic cruise phase over the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Middle East regions.
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. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs eastward from Midway. You'll see the Chicago shoreline and the lake's expanse stretching toward the horizon, which is more visually interesting than the inland western approach. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline (south and east), Indiana shoreline (distant), Calumet River industrial area.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Persian Gulf coastline and Dubai's distinctive coastal development as you descend toward DXB. The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina are visible on approach, along with the Arabian Gulf's turquoise waters. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali Port.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Dubai?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Dubai International (DXB) takes about 15 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 7,240 miles (11,652 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Dubai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean (no major landmarks visible except open water), passes over or near Greenland's southern tip (ice sheets visible on clear days), crosses Iceland's southern coast (volcanic terrain and glaciers), continues over the North Atlantic, then over the British Isles and continental Europe (Alps visible on clear days), crosses the Mediterranean Sea, passes over North Africa (Sahara Desert with visible dune patterns), and enters the Middle East over the Arabian Peninsula before descending into Dubai.