The left side wins because it captures both the Chicago lakefront on departure and, more importantly, the dramatic cruise-phase views over the Canadian wilderness and southern Greenland's ice cap and fjords, which the right side (mostly facing open Atlantic and Labrador Sea) cannot match.
Flown ORD to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Copenhagen is 4,259 miles (6,854 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
Hudson Bay lowlands and Baffin Island give way to the Davis Strait, followed by the glaciated coastline and ice cap of southern Greenland near Cape Farewell, before the route crosses the open Norwegian Sea toward Scandinavia.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD departures headed for Europe typically climb out to the east over Lake Michigan before banking north, giving left-side passengers a receding view of the Chicago skyline and the lake's shoreline before the route turns toward Wisconsin and Canada.
Landing at CPH
RIGHTCPH's typical southbound landing approach (runway 22) comes in from the north, and the west-facing side shows Copenhagen's compact city center, harbor, and rooftops just before the aircraft lines up over Amager Island for touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Copenhagen. The left side wins because it captures both the Chicago lakefront on departure and, more importantly, the dramatic cruise-phase views over the Canadian wilderness and southern Greenland's ice cap and fjords, which the right side (mostly facing open Atlantic and Labrador Sea) cannot match.
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. ORD departures headed for Europe typically climb out to the east over Lake Michigan before banking north, giving left-side passengers a receding view of the Chicago skyline and the lake's shoreline before the route turns toward Wisconsin and Canada. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, Chicago's northern lakefront suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. CPH's typical southbound landing approach (runway 22) comes in from the north, and the west-facing side shows Copenhagen's compact city center, harbor, and rooftops just before the aircraft lines up over Amager Island for touchdown. Notable sights include: Copenhagen city center and church spires, the harbor waterfront, Amager Island, Tivoli Gardens area.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Copenhagen?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,259 miles (6,854 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay lowlands and Baffin Island give way to the Davis Strait, followed by the glaciated coastline and ice cap of southern Greenland near Cape Farewell, before the route crosses the open Norwegian Sea toward Scandinavia.