While left offers better Chicago departure views, the landing approach dominates this transatlantic flight. Right seats provide superior views of Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape and coastal features during the final 90 minutes—the most visually distinctive portion of the journey.
Flown MDW to KEF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Keflavik is 2,942 miles (4,735 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude (62-64°N). Midway through, you'll be over open ocean with occasional views of the Greenland ice sheet's eastern edge on the left (north) side if flying the typical great-circle route. The Davis Strait and Baffin Bay remain far to the north. No significant landmarks are visible during the mid-Atlantic portion—expect 4-5 hours of open water. As you approach Iceland (final 90 minutes), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's volcanic character becomes apparent in the water's color change, and Iceland's glaciers and volcanic peaks emerge on the horizon before the Reykjanes Peninsula becomes dominant.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTMDW typically departs eastbound (runways 04L/04R or 13L/13R depending on wind). Left seats face north initially, capturing Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline receding westward. Right seats look south over industrial areas and suburbs with less visual interest.
Landing at KEF
RIGHTKEF approaches from the southeast (typically runway 02 or 20 depending on wind). Right seats face southwest during descent, offering views of Iceland's volcanic landscape, the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive lava fields, and the Atlantic coastline. Left seats see mostly open ocean.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Keflavik. While left offers better Chicago departure views, the landing approach dominates this transatlantic flight. Right seats provide superior views of Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape and coastal features during the final 90 minutes—the most visually distinctive portion of the 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. MDW typically departs eastbound (runways 04L/04R or 13L/13R depending on wind). Left seats face north initially, capturing Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline receding westward. Right seats look south over industrial areas and suburbs with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate eastern boundary), Chicago downtown skyline (west-southwest), Calumet River industrial corridor (south), Indiana dunes on far horizon (southeast).
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. KEF approaches from the southeast (typically runway 02 or 20 depending on wind). Right seats face southwest during descent, offering views of Iceland's volcanic landscape, the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive lava fields, and the Atlantic coastline. Left seats see mostly open ocean. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark, textured terrain), Atlantic Ocean and coastal cliffs, Keflavik town and harbor, geothermal areas with visible steam plumes.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Keflavik?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,942 miles (4,735 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude (62-64°N). Midway through, you'll be over open ocean with occasional views of the Greenland ice sheet's eastern edge on the left (north) side if flying the typical great-circle route. The Davis Strait and Baffin Bay remain far to the north. No significant landmarks are visible during the mid-Atlantic portion—expect 4-5 hours of open water. As you approach Iceland (final 90 minutes), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's volcanic character becomes apparent in the water's color change, and Iceland's glaciers and volcanic peaks emerge on the horizon before the Reykjanes Peninsula becomes dominant.