Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the route's geography: the left side wins on takeoff with Chicago's urban scenery, but the right side captures the only dramatic natural feature on the entire route—the Nile River valley's stark contrast against the Nubian Desert during landing. The landing scenery is more geographically distinctive than Chicago's urban sprawl, making right the marginally better choice for a passenger prioritizing unique natural landmarks.
Flown ORD to ABS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Abu Simbel is 6,552 miles (10,544 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with minimal scenery), then passes over North Africa including the Atlas Mountains in Morocco/Algeria (visible on left side during cruise), the Sahara Desert (vast, featureless terrain), and finally the Nile River valley approaching Abu Simbel. The Atlantic crossing dominates the middle portion with no notable landmarks visible.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTLeft side captures Chicago's urban skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline during climb-out. The city grid and harbor are visually distinctive during the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at ABS
RIGHTRight side offers the only meaningful scenery on final approach to Abu Simbel. The Nile River valley becomes visible during descent, with the river's distinctive green corridor cutting through the Nubian Desert. The Abu Simbel temples themselves are not visible from standard approach altitudes, but the Nile's dramatic contrast against surrounding desert is striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Abu Simbel (ABS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Abu Simbel. Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the route's geography: the left side wins on takeoff with Chicago's urban scenery, but the right side captures the only dramatic natural feature on the entire route—the Nile River valley's stark contrast against the Nubian Desert during landing. The landing scenery is more geographically distinctive than Chicago's urban sprawl, making right the marginally better choice for a passenger prioritizing unique natural landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Chicago's urban skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline during climb-out. The city grid and harbor are visually distinctive during the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Illinois plains extending south.
What can I see when landing at Abu Simbel in Abu Simbel?
When landing at Abu Simbel (ABS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the only meaningful scenery on final approach to Abu Simbel. The Nile River valley becomes visible during descent, with the river's distinctive green corridor cutting through the Nubian Desert. The Abu Simbel temples themselves are not visible from standard approach altitudes, but the Nile's dramatic contrast against surrounding desert is striking. Notable sights include: Nile River valley, Nubian Desert, Lake Nasser (partially visible depending on approach vector).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Abu Simbel?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Abu Simbel (ABS) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,552 miles (10,544 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Abu Simbel flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with minimal scenery), then passes over North Africa including the Atlas Mountains in Morocco/Algeria (visible on left side during cruise), the Sahara Desert (vast, featureless terrain), and finally the Nile River valley approaching Abu Simbel. The Atlantic crossing dominates the middle portion with no notable landmarks visible.