While the left side offers a strong opening with the Chicago skyline and Great Lakes, the right side's Alpine arrival into Zurich is the more visually striking and memorable segment of the flight, giving it the edge despite both sides sharing several hours of open Atlantic in between.
Flown MDW to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Zurich is 4,434 miles (7,136 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
Great Lakes region near Lake Huron and Lake Erie, the St. Lawrence River valley and Quebec, the Newfoundland coastline, then several hours over the open North Atlantic with the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland's south coast sometimes visible in the distance to the north on very clear days, before reaching the Irish coast and continental Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDW
LEFTDeparting Midway, the aircraft climbs out and banks onto its northeast heading, swinging the nose past downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan on the left side. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the skyline and the lake's shoreline before the plane settles onto its transatlantic course over the Great Lakes region.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTOn the descent into Zurich from the west, the approach tracks along the northern edge of the Swiss Plateau before turning toward the runway, putting the snow-capped Alpine ridgeline to the south on the right side. Lake Zurich and the Uetliberg hill also come into view as the aircraft descends, giving this side a dramatic final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Zurich. While the left side offers a strong opening with the Chicago skyline and Great Lakes, the right side's Alpine arrival into Zurich is the more visually striking and memorable segment of the flight, giving it the edge despite both sides sharing several hours of open Atlantic in between.
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 Midway, the aircraft climbs out and banks onto its northeast heading, swinging the nose past downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan on the left side. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the skyline and the lake's shoreline before the plane settles onto its transatlantic course over the Great Lakes region. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower area), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway's surrounding street grid, Navy Pier area in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Zurich from the west, the approach tracks along the northern edge of the Swiss Plateau before turning toward the runway, putting the snow-capped Alpine ridgeline to the south on the right side. Lake Zurich and the Uetliberg hill also come into view as the aircraft descends, giving this side a dramatic final approach. Notable sights include: Alpine peaks (Glärnisch, Säntis massif), Lake Zurich, Uetliberg hill, Swiss Plateau farmland.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Zurich?
The flight from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,434 miles (7,136 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Zurich flight path pass over?
Great Lakes region near Lake Huron and Lake Erie, the St. Lawrence River valley and Quebec, the Newfoundland coastline, then several hours over the open North Atlantic with the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland's south coast sometimes visible in the distance to the north on very clear days, before reaching the Irish coast and continental Europe.