About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Helsinki Malmi (HEM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Helsinki. The left side delivers the dramatic Chicago departure view over the Loop and Lake Michigan, and as the flight tracks northeast over Canada, the left side also faces south toward the Great Lakes for longer. The landing view at HEM is better on the right, but the Chicago departure is the more spectacular single moment of the flight.
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's most common departure on runways 10L/10R sends aircraft eastward, putting the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on the left (north) side. You get a clear view of the downtown Loop, Grant Park, and the lakefront as the plane climbs out over the suburbs. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park/Museum Campus, Evanston lakefront.
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Malmi in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Malmi (HEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Helsinki Malmi (HEM) is a small general aviation airport with runway 18/36 as its primary. Arrivals from the west on runway 18 (heading south) put the Helsinki city center, the harbor, and the Baltic archipelago on the right (west) side. The city's compact peninsula and surrounding islands are clearly visible on approach. Notable sights include: Helsinki city center peninsula, Helsinki Harbor and Market Square, Gulf of Finland archipelago islands, Suomenlinna sea fortress.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Helsinki?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Helsinki Malmi (HEM) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Chicago to Helsinki flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from Chicago over Lake Michigan, then across Ontario and Quebec, crossing the St. Lawrence River near the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It then heads over Labrador and southern Greenland's ice sheet, crosses the Denmark Strait, passes over Iceland or just south of it, then crosses the Norwegian Sea before descending over the Gulf of Finland toward Helsinki. Greenland's ice cap and Iceland's volcanic terrain are the most visually dramatic midpoint features at cruising altitude.