The great-circle route arcs up to nearly 65°N, meaning the entire left side of the aircraft faces the dramatic northern terrain for hours: the Canadian Arctic coast, Greenland's ice sheet, and the fjords near Iceland and Norway. This sustained high-drama scenery over the long cruise phase outweighs the brief skyline and coastal views the right side gets at takeoff and landing.
Flown ORD to DXB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Dubai is 7,233 miles (11,641 km), a flight of about 13 hours 40 minutes.
The route's northernmost point, near 65°N, passes close to the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and the Denmark Strait, with Iceland and the Norwegian Sea visible shortly after, marking the geographic and scenic midpoint of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD on a northeast heading toward the Dubai great-circle route, the aircraft banks over the northwest suburbs with downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline visible off the right side. The left side only shows flat Illinois farmland.
Landing at DXB
RIGHTOn the common northwest-facing approach into DXB, the flight path descends over the Gulf and swings past Dubai's coastal skyline, putting Palm Jumeirah and the Marina towers on the right side just before touchdown. The left side faces open desert with little to distinguish it.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Dubai. The great-circle route arcs up to nearly 65°N, meaning the entire left side of the aircraft faces the dramatic northern terrain for hours: the Canadian Arctic coast, Greenland's ice sheet, and the fjords near Iceland and Norway. This sustained high-drama scenery over the long cruise phase outweighs the brief skyline and coastal views the right side gets at takeoff and 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. Departing ORD on a northeast heading toward the Dubai great-circle route, the aircraft banks over the northwest suburbs with downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline visible off the right side. The left side only shows flat Illinois farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's northwest suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common northwest-facing approach into DXB, the flight path descends over the Gulf and swings past Dubai's coastal skyline, putting Palm Jumeirah and the Marina towers on the right side just before touchdown. The left side faces open desert with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina towers, Burj Khalifa skyline, Persian Gulf coastline.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Dubai?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Dubai International (DXB) takes about 13 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,233 miles (11,641 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route's northernmost point, near 65°N, passes close to the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and the Denmark Strait, with Iceland and the Norwegian Sea visible shortly after, marking the geographic and scenic midpoint of the flight.