Once the great-circle track bends the aircraft's heading from northeast to east and then southeast, the left side ends up facing the more dramatic terrain: the Labrador coast and open sub-arctic Atlantic give way to the Alpine foothills and the karst peaks of the Dinaric Alps/Balkans, and the flight finishes with the Acropolis and Piraeus laid out below on approach. The right side gets a strong Chicago opener but then spends most of the flight over featureless ocean and sea, ending with only open Aegean water on landing.
Flown ORD to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Athens is 5,450 miles (8,770 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
The route arcs north of the direct line, crossing southern Ontario and Quebec, the Labrador coast, and the open North Atlantic south of Greenland before passing near Ireland and Wales, then continuing over eastern France/southern Germany, the Alps, the Adriatic Sea near Croatia's Dalmatian coast, and the Balkan mountains of Albania/North Macedonia before descending into Greece.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD departures heading toward Europe typically climb out to the southeast before curving onto the northeast track, putting downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan directly under the right-side windows for a couple of minutes. The left side only shows flat Illinois/Wisconsin farmland during the initial climb.
Landing at ATH
LEFTAthens' 03 runways mean arrivals typically approach from the south over the Saronic Gulf and land heading north, so the city of Athens sits on the left as the aircraft lines up. Passengers on that side get a clear look at the urban sprawl, the Acropolis rock, and Piraeus harbor, while the right side faces open Aegean water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Athens. Once the great-circle track bends the aircraft's heading from northeast to east and then southeast, the left side ends up facing the more dramatic terrain: the Labrador coast and open sub-arctic Atlantic give way to the Alpine foothills and the karst peaks of the Dinaric Alps/Balkans, and the flight finishes with the Acropolis and Piraeus laid out below on approach. The right side gets a strong Chicago opener but then spends most of the flight over featureless ocean and sea, ending with only open Aegean water on landing.
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. ORD departures heading toward Europe typically climb out to the southeast before curving onto the northeast track, putting downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan directly under the right-side windows for a couple of minutes. The left side only shows flat Illinois/Wisconsin farmland during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline (Willis Tower/Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, O'Hare's surrounding suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Athens' 03 runways mean arrivals typically approach from the south over the Saronic Gulf and land heading north, so the city of Athens sits on the left as the aircraft lines up. Passengers on that side get a clear look at the urban sprawl, the Acropolis rock, and Piraeus harbor, while the right side faces open Aegean water. Notable sights include: Acropolis and Athens city center, Piraeus port, Saronic Gulf coastline, Mount Lycabettus.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Athens?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,450 miles (8,770 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Athens flight path pass over?
The route arcs north of the direct line, crossing southern Ontario and Quebec, the Labrador coast, and the open North Atlantic south of Greenland before passing near Ireland and Wales, then continuing over eastern France/southern Germany, the Alps, the Adriatic Sea near Croatia's Dalmatian coast, and the Balkan mountains of Albania/North Macedonia before descending into Greece.