The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a clear glimpse of Chicago and Lake Michigan at departure, and a scenic coastal approach into Barcelona with the city and Mediterranean visible before landing — while the left side is dominated by featureless farmland, Canadian wilderness, and open ocean for most of the crossing.
Flight Path
Great Lakes basin (Lake Huron/Erie), southern Quebec and the St. Lawrence River, Newfoundland's coastline, and several hours of open North Atlantic Ocean before the route curves southeast toward the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrenees on the descent into Spain
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTAs the aircraft climbs out of O'Hare and turns onto its northeasterly routing toward the Atlantic, the right side briefly faces southeast, giving a good look at downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan before the plane settles on course. The left side only shows flat Illinois and Wisconsin farmland.
Landing at BCN
RIGHTOn approach into Barcelona-El Prat, the descent path curves along the Mediterranean coastline, and the right side offers views of the sea, the city's harbor, and the green rise of Montjuïc hill just before the final turn to land. The left side mostly faces inland terrain with fewer distinct features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Barcelona (BCN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Barcelona. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a clear glimpse of Chicago and Lake Michigan at departure, and a scenic coastal approach into Barcelona with the city and Mediterranean visible before landing — while the left side is dominated by featureless farmland, Canadian wilderness, and open ocean for most of the crossing.
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. As the aircraft climbs out of O'Hare and turns onto its northeasterly routing toward the Atlantic, the right side briefly faces southeast, giving a good look at downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan before the plane settles on course. The left side only shows flat Illinois and Wisconsin farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area.
What can I see when landing at Barcelona in Barcelona?
When landing at Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Barcelona-El Prat, the descent path curves along the Mediterranean coastline, and the right side offers views of the sea, the city's harbor, and the green rise of Montjuïc hill just before the final turn to land. The left side mostly faces inland terrain with fewer distinct features. Notable sights include: Mediterranean coastline, Barcelona harbor (Port Vell), Montjuïc hill, El Prat river delta.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Barcelona?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Barcelona (BCN) takes 8h 55m.
What does the Chicago to Barcelona flight path pass over?
Great Lakes basin (Lake Huron/Erie), southern Quebec and the St. Lawrence River, Newfoundland's coastline, and several hours of open North Atlantic Ocean before the route curves southeast toward the Bay of Biscay and the Pyrenees on the descent into Spain