Both departure and arrival favor the right side — a fleeting glimpse of Chicago and Lake Michigan at takeoff, and a much richer, iconic view of Auckland's harbour, skyline, and volcanic islands on arrival. The overwhelming majority of the flight is open Pacific Ocean, so the arrival sequence is what truly separates the sides.
Flown ORD to AKL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Auckland is 8,192 miles (13,184 km), a flight of about 16 hours 45 minutes.
The great-circle route crosses the vast central Pacific Ocean, passing well south of Hawaii and north of French Polynesia, with no landmasses visible for most of the crossing until the approach to New Zealand's North Island.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD westbound, a brief turn to the southwest can put Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline into view on the right before the aircraft settles onto its oceanic heading. The left side only shows flat Illinois farmland with no distinguishing features.
Landing at AKL
RIGHTOn approach to AKL's runway 23L from the northeast, the aircraft tracks down over the Hauraki Gulf before turning onto final. The right side offers the best view of downtown Auckland's skyline, the Sky Tower, and the Waitemata Harbour, while the left side mostly shows open gulf water and distant Coromandel hills.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Auckland. Both departure and arrival favor the right side — a fleeting glimpse of Chicago and Lake Michigan at takeoff, and a much richer, iconic view of Auckland's harbour, skyline, and volcanic islands on arrival. The overwhelming majority of the flight is open Pacific Ocean, so the arrival sequence is what truly separates the sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ORD westbound, a brief turn to the southwest can put Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline into view on the right before the aircraft settles onto its oceanic heading. The left side only shows flat Illinois farmland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (distant), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's grid of runways, flat Illinois farmland.
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to AKL's runway 23L from the northeast, the aircraft tracks down over the Hauraki Gulf before turning onto final. The right side offers the best view of downtown Auckland's skyline, the Sky Tower, and the Waitemata Harbour, while the left side mostly shows open gulf water and distant Coromandel hills. Notable sights include: Auckland Sky Tower, Waitemata Harbour, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island volcanic cone.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Auckland?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 16 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,192 miles (13,184 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Auckland flight path pass over?
The great-circle route crosses the vast central Pacific Ocean, passing well south of Hawaii and north of French Polynesia, with no landmasses visible for most of the crossing until the approach to New Zealand's North Island.