The left side tracks the more dramatic high-latitude terrain for most of the flight — Greenland's icy coastline, Iceland's volcanic highlands, and later the Alps and Balkan peaks — and bookends the trip with Chicago's skyline and the Pyramids of Giza, while the right side spends most of its time over open Atlantic water and flatter Western European farmland.
Flown ORD to CAI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Cairo is 6,136 miles (9,875 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
Southern Greenland's ice cap and fjord coastline, the open North Atlantic between Iceland and Ireland, and the Alps near the Italy-Switzerland border as the route curves southeast toward the Mediterranean.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTAfter departing ORD (likely off a west-facing runway under prevailing winds), the aircraft banks back toward its northeast track, bringing the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline into view on the left side during the climb-out.
Landing at CAI
LEFTWith Cairo often landing toward the northeast (runway 05), arrivals swing in from the southwest over the Giza plateau, putting the Pyramids and the green ribbon of the Nile on the left side just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Cairo International (CAI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Cairo. The left side tracks the more dramatic high-latitude terrain for most of the flight — Greenland's icy coastline, Iceland's volcanic highlands, and later the Alps and Balkan peaks — and bookends the trip with Chicago's skyline and the Pyramids of Giza, while the right side spends most of its time over open Atlantic water and flatter Western European farmland.
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. After departing ORD (likely off a west-facing runway under prevailing winds), the aircraft banks back toward its northeast track, bringing the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline into view on the left side during the climb-out. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier and lakefront parks.
What can I see when landing at Cairo International in Cairo?
When landing at Cairo International (CAI), sit on the Left side for the best views. With Cairo often landing toward the northeast (runway 05), arrivals swing in from the southwest over the Giza plateau, putting the Pyramids and the green ribbon of the Nile on the left side just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Pyramids of Giza, Nile River, Cairo's urban sprawl, edge of the Western Desert.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Cairo?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Cairo International (CAI) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,136 miles (9,875 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Cairo flight path pass over?
Southern Greenland's ice cap and fjord coastline, the open North Atlantic between Iceland and Ireland, and the Alps near the Italy-Switzerland border as the route curves southeast toward the Mediterranean.