The right side strings together the flight's best moments: Chicago and Lake Michigan at takeoff, the fjorded southern tip of Greenland and its ice cap during cruise, and the Helsinki archipelago on descent, whereas the left side spends most of the flight over featureless Canadian boreal forest, Hudson Bay, and open ice sheet.
Flight Path
Davis Strait and the ice-capped, fjord-cut coastline of southern Greenland near Cape Farewell
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD departures on this northeast-bound track climb out with Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline visible off the right side as the aircraft turns onto its polar-ish heading, while the left side shows only flat Illinois/Wisconsin farmland.
Landing at HEL
RIGHTOn the descent into Helsinki the flight path crosses the Gulf of Finland and the outer Helsinki archipelago before the final turn, giving the right side a good look at the scattered granite islands, harbor inlets, and the city's waterfront skyline.
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 Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Helsinki. The right side strings together the flight's best moments: Chicago and Lake Michigan at takeoff, the fjorded southern tip of Greenland and its ice cap during cruise, and the Helsinki archipelago on descent, whereas the left side spends most of the flight over featureless Canadian boreal forest, Hudson Bay, and open ice sheet.
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 on this northeast-bound track climb out with Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline visible off the right side as the aircraft turns onto its polar-ish heading, while the left side shows only flat Illinois/Wisconsin farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, Hancock Center), O'Hare's surrounding grid suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Helsinki the flight path crosses the Gulf of Finland and the outer Helsinki archipelago before the final turn, giving the right side a good look at the scattered granite islands, harbor inlets, and the city's waterfront skyline. Notable sights include: Helsinki archipelago islands, Gulf of Finland coastline, Helsinki city skyline and harbor, Suomenlinna fortress islands.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Helsinki?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) takes 8h 35m.
What does the Chicago to Helsinki flight path pass over?
Davis Strait and the ice-capped, fjord-cut coastline of southern Greenland near Cape Farewell