While the left side offers a brief but pleasant Lake Michigan and skyline view at takeoff, the right side wins overall thanks to the far more dramatic and sustained scenery of the Istanbul approach, including the Bosphorus and the historic city core, which outweighs a single scenic moment at departure.
Flown MDW to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Istanbul is 5,463 miles (8,792 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Southern Greenland's ice sheet edge, the North Atlantic, and Iceland's coastline are crossed near the midpoint of this great-circle route before the flight path continues over Scandinavia and continental Europe toward the Black Sea.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTDeparting MDW to the southeast or southwest, the initial turn onto an eastbound heading brings Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline into view on the left side of the aircraft. This is the most distinctive scenery of the entire departure sequence over otherwise flat Midwest terrain.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into IST, arrivals crossing the Sea of Marmara or descending from the north give clear views of the Bosphorus strait, the historic Istanbul peninsula, and the dense urban sprawl along the European and Asian shorelines. This is far more visually rich than the flat farmland northwest of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Istanbul. While the left side offers a brief but pleasant Lake Michigan and skyline view at takeoff, the right side wins overall thanks to the far more dramatic and sustained scenery of the Istanbul approach, including the Bosphorus and the historic city core, which outweighs a single scenic moment at departure.
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. Departing MDW to the southeast or southwest, the initial turn onto an eastbound heading brings Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline into view on the left side of the aircraft. This is the most distinctive scenery of the entire departure sequence over otherwise flat Midwest terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline, Chicago's south side grid, Midway's surrounding suburbs.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into IST, arrivals crossing the Sea of Marmara or descending from the north give clear views of the Bosphorus strait, the historic Istanbul peninsula, and the dense urban sprawl along the European and Asian shorelines. This is far more visually rich than the flat farmland northwest of the airport. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula (Topkapi/Hagia Sophia area), dense Istanbul urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Istanbul?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,463 miles (8,792 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Southern Greenland's ice sheet edge, the North Atlantic, and Iceland's coastline are crossed near the midpoint of this great-circle route before the flight path continues over Scandinavia and continental Europe toward the Black Sea.