Chicago to Brussels flight path: ORD to BRU

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Brussels. The left side combines a genuine Chicago skyline view at departure with the rare chance to see southern Greenland's glaciated coastline during the Atlantic crossing, plus a city view on arrival into Brussels — far more variety than the ocean- and farmland-dominated right side.

During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from ORD to Europe typically climb out and turn north over Lake Michigan before heading toward Canada. On this turn, the Chicago skyline — Willis Tower, the Loop, and the lakefront — sits on the left side of the aircraft, giving a brief but striking urban view before the flat Midwest takes over. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Chicago suburbs.

When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical westbound approach into Brussels (runway 25), aircraft descend from the northeast and swing south of the city before lining up, putting Brussels' compact historic center and canal district on the left side. The right side mostly shows flat Flemish farmland with little variation. Notable sights include: Brussels city center and canals, Senne River valley, Flemish farmland patchwork, Zaventem's wooded outskirts.

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes 8h 15m.

Labrador coast, Davis Strait, southern Greenland's ice cap and coastal fjords, open North Atlantic