The right side consistently offers the flight's best scenery: Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at departure, and the Mediterranean coastline near Fiumicino at arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat farmland and inland plains during those same phases.
Flight Path
The route arcs north across Ontario and Quebec, crosses the Labrador Sea, and passes south of Greenland's ice sheet before descending over Ireland, the UK or northern France, and the Alps into northern Italy — with the mid-ocean segment dominated by open Atlantic water for several hours.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD eastbound/northeast departures typically swing the aircraft south of the field before turning toward Canada, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan on the right side of the cabin during the climb. The left side over this phase shows only flat Midwest suburbs and farmland.
Landing at FCO
RIGHTOn approach into FCO from the north, the final descent runs roughly south along the coast, placing the Tyrrhenian Sea and the sandy shoreline near Fiumicino on the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead shows the flatter inland countryside of Lazio, which is less visually striking.
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 Fiumicino (FCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Rome. The right side consistently offers the flight's best scenery: Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at departure, and the Mediterranean coastline near Fiumicino at arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat farmland and inland plains during those same phases.
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. ORD eastbound/northeast departures typically swing the aircraft south of the field before turning toward Canada, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the shoreline of Lake Michigan on the right side of the cabin during the climb. The left side over this phase shows only flat Midwest suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's surrounding suburban grid.
What can I see when landing at Fiumicino in Rome?
When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into FCO from the north, the final descent runs roughly south along the coast, placing the Tyrrhenian Sea and the sandy shoreline near Fiumicino on the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead shows the flatter inland countryside of Lazio, which is less visually striking. Notable sights include: Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, Tiber River mouth, Fiumicino's coastal wetlands and marina.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Rome?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes 9h 35m.
What does the Chicago to Rome flight path pass over?
The route arcs north across Ontario and Quebec, crosses the Labrador Sea, and passes south of Greenland's ice sheet before descending over Ireland, the UK or northern France, and the Alps into northern Italy — with the mid-ocean segment dominated by open Atlantic water for several hours.