The left side wins narrowly because the Manila departure offers a genuine combination of bay, island, and mountain scenery, while the cruise phase over Siberia, the Arctic, and the Canadian tundra is largely featureless on both sides, making the takeoff segment the most differentiating scenic factor on this long polar route.
Flown MNL to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manila to Chicago is 8,121 miles (13,070 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
The great-circle route crosses southern China, Mongolia, the vast taiga and tundra of eastern Siberia, the Arctic Ocean near Franz Josef Land or the Laptev Sea depending on winds, then descends over northern Canada's Hudson Bay lowlands before entering U.S. airspace near the Great Lakes.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
LEFTDeparting NAIA on runway 06 during the Amihan season, the initial climb and turn put Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, and the Bataan Peninsula's Zambales range on the left side of the aircraft. This gives a brief but genuine mix of coastline and mountain silhouette before the route turns north over Luzon.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTArriving into ORD from the north after crossing Canada, aircraft typically join a southbound descent path that parallels Lake Michigan's western shore before turning onto the east-west runways. This puts the Chicago skyline and the lake itself on the right side of the plane during the final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Chicago. The left side wins narrowly because the Manila departure offers a genuine combination of bay, island, and mountain scenery, while the cruise phase over Siberia, the Arctic, and the Canadian tundra is largely featureless on both sides, making the takeoff segment the most differentiating scenic factor on this long polar route.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing NAIA on runway 06 during the Amihan season, the initial climb and turn put Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, and the Bataan Peninsula's Zambales range on the left side of the aircraft. This gives a brief but genuine mix of coastline and mountain silhouette before the route turns north over Luzon. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula, Zambales Mountains.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into ORD from the north after crossing Canada, aircraft typically join a southbound descent path that parallels Lake Michigan's western shore before turning onto the east-west runways. This puts the Chicago skyline and the lake itself on the right side of the plane during the final descent. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Navy Pier area, O'Hare's runway grid.
How long is the flight from Manila to Chicago?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,121 miles (13,070 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Chicago flight path pass over?
The great-circle route crosses southern China, Mongolia, the vast taiga and tundra of eastern Siberia, the Arctic Ocean near Franz Josef Land or the Laptev Sea depending on winds, then descends over northern Canada's Hudson Bay lowlands before entering U.S. airspace near the Great Lakes.