The great-circle route from Chicago to Frankfurt passes north over Labrador, southern Greenland, and Iceland, and on this eastbound flight those dramatic ice-capped and volcanic landscapes appear on the left side for several hours—far more visually striking than the open Atlantic seen from the right.
Flown ORD to FRA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Frankfurt is 4,331 miles (6,971 km), a flight of about 8 hours 10 minutes.
Labrador Sea coastline, southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjords, Denmark Strait, Iceland's volcanic terrain near Vatnajökull glacier
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD departures to the northeast typically climb out over the western shore of Lake Michigan, giving right-side passengers a clear look at the Chicago skyline and lakefront before the aircraft turns toward Wisconsin and Canada.
Landing at FRA
RIGHTUnder FRA's typical westerly-wind approach to runway 25, the aircraft flies its final leg heading west, putting the Frankfurt skyline and the Taunus hills off to the right side during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Frankfurt. The great-circle route from Chicago to Frankfurt passes north over Labrador, southern Greenland, and Iceland, and on this eastbound flight those dramatic ice-capped and volcanic landscapes appear on the left side for several hours—far more visually striking than the open Atlantic seen from the right.
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 departures to the northeast typically climb out over the western shore of Lake Michigan, giving right-side passengers a clear look at the Chicago skyline and lakefront before the aircraft turns toward Wisconsin and Canada. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago's Loop and lakefront parks.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Under FRA's typical westerly-wind approach to runway 25, the aircraft flies its final leg heading west, putting the Frankfurt skyline and the Taunus hills off to the right side during descent. Notable sights include: Frankfurt skyline (Commerzbank Tower, Main Tower), Main River, Taunus hill range, Rhine-Main urban area.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Frankfurt?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes about 8 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,331 miles (6,971 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
Labrador Sea coastline, southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjords, Denmark Strait, Iceland's volcanic terrain near Vatnajökull glacier