While takeoff offers Lake Michigan views on the right, the landing approach into Frankfurt on the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Rhine valley, Main River meanders, and Frankfurt's skyline are more visually distinctive than the Chicago departure. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this transatlantic route.
Flown MDW to FRA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Frankfurt is 4,335 miles (6,977 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no major landmarks visible for roughly 6-7 hours. Over the ocean, you may see the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland's coastline depending on the exact routing (typically further north). Upon approaching Europe, the flight passes over the British Isles or North Sea before reaching continental Europe. The Pennines and Scottish Highlands are visible if the route passes over the UK. The descent into Frankfurt brings views of the Rhine valley, Main River system, and the Taunus Mountains—the most visually distinctive European features on this route.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs northeast over the water, plus the Chicago skyline receding to the left. You'll see the lake's shoreline and downtown Chicago's grid pattern clearly during the initial climb.
Landing at FRA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Frankfurt. You'll see the Rhine River valley, the Main River, and the city's distinctive skyline emerging as you approach from the west. The river systems and surrounding forested terrain are particularly striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Frankfurt. While takeoff offers Lake Michigan views on the right, the landing approach into Frankfurt on the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Rhine valley, Main River meanders, and Frankfurt's skyline are more visually distinctive than the Chicago departure. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this transatlantic route.
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 northeast over the water, plus the Chicago skyline receding to the left. You'll see the lake's shoreline and downtown Chicago's grid pattern clearly during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Indiana coastline to the south, Des Plaines River valley.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Frankfurt. You'll see the Rhine River valley, the Main River, and the city's distinctive skyline emerging as you approach from the west. The river systems and surrounding forested terrain are particularly striking. Notable sights include: Rhine River valley, Main River, Frankfurt skyline with Main Tower visible, Taunus Mountains to the north.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Frankfurt?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,335 miles (6,977 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no major landmarks visible for roughly 6-7 hours. Over the ocean, you may see the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland's coastline depending on the exact routing (typically further north). Upon approaching Europe, the flight passes over the British Isles or North Sea before reaching continental Europe. The Pennines and Scottish Highlands are visible if the route passes over the UK. The descent into Frankfurt brings views of the Rhine valley, Main River system, and the Taunus Mountains—the most visually distinctive European features on this route.