While the left side wins the takeoff with Chicago's skyline and lake, the right side's Alpine glimpse on arrival is the more distinctive and memorable feature of this otherwise flat, ocean-heavy transatlantic route.
Flown MDW to MUC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Munich is 4,521 miles (7,275 km), a flight of about 8 hours 35 minutes.
Great Lakes region giving way to the forests and lakes of Ontario and Quebec, then the Labrador coast before a long stretch of open North Atlantic, with Ireland's west coast as the first landfall in Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTDeparting MDW to the northeast, the aircraft's initial turn puts downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan on the left side. This is the only genuine urban/water scenery on the whole route, since cruise passes over flat Ontario, Quebec, and open ocean.
Landing at MUC
RIGHTOn the typical easterly landing approach into MUC (runway 08), the aircraft descends from the west with south toward the right side of the cabin, giving a distant but genuine view of the snow-capped Bavarian Alps on clear days. The left side only shows the flatter Danube valley farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Munich (MUC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Munich. While the left side wins the takeoff with Chicago's skyline and lake, the right side's Alpine glimpse on arrival is the more distinctive and memorable feature of this otherwise flat, ocean-heavy transatlantic route.
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 northeast, the aircraft's initial turn puts downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan on the left side. This is the only genuine urban/water scenery on the whole route, since cruise passes over flat Ontario, Quebec, and open ocean. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Munich in Munich?
When landing at Munich (MUC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical easterly landing approach into MUC (runway 08), the aircraft descends from the west with south toward the right side of the cabin, giving a distant but genuine view of the snow-capped Bavarian Alps on clear days. The left side only shows the flatter Danube valley farmland. Notable sights include: Bavarian Alps foothills, Zugspitze massif (distant), Isar River valley, Munich's outer farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Munich?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Munich (MUC) takes about 8 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,521 miles (7,275 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Munich flight path pass over?
Great Lakes region giving way to the forests and lakes of Ontario and Quebec, then the Labrador coast before a long stretch of open North Atlantic, with Ireland's west coast as the first landfall in Europe.