The right side wins both bookend phases of the flight — Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan on departure, and Lantau's mountains, the mega-bridge, and island-studded waters on arrival — while the long polar cruise over Arctic Canada and Siberia offers similarly remote, low-landmark scenery on either side.
Flown ORD to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Hong Kong is 7,781 miles (12,522 km), a flight of about 15 hours 25 minutes.
The great-circle route climbs over Hudson Bay and the Canadian Arctic islands, crosses the Arctic Ocean pack ice near 71°N, then descends through Siberian tundra and the Verkhoyansk mountain region before continuing south over Mongolia's Gobi Desert and into interior China ahead of the descent toward Hong Kong.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDepartures from ORD heading toward the polar route swing the aircraft onto a north-northwest track, which puts downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan off the right side during the initial climb. The left side only shows flat Illinois farmland and suburban grid.
Landing at HKG
RIGHTOn approach into Chek Lap Kok, the flight path curves in over Lantau Island and the Pearl River estuary, giving right-side passengers a view of Lantau's mountainous ridgeline, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and scattered outlying islands in the South China Sea. The left side mostly faces open water with less terrain definition.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Hong Kong. The right side wins both bookend phases of the flight — Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan on departure, and Lantau's mountains, the mega-bridge, and island-studded waters on arrival — while the long polar cruise over Arctic Canada and Siberia offers similarly remote, low-landmark scenery on either side.
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. Departures from ORD heading toward the polar route swing the aircraft onto a north-northwest track, which puts downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan off the right side during the initial climb. The left side only shows flat Illinois farmland and suburban grid. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower cluster), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, O'Hare's surrounding suburban grid.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Chek Lap Kok, the flight path curves in over Lantau Island and the Pearl River estuary, giving right-side passengers a view of Lantau's mountainous ridgeline, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and scattered outlying islands in the South China Sea. The left side mostly faces open water with less terrain definition. Notable sights include: Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak ridgeline, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, Pearl River Estuary, outlying islands (Lamma, Cheung Chau).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Hong Kong?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 15 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,781 miles (12,522 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
The great-circle route climbs over Hudson Bay and the Canadian Arctic islands, crosses the Arctic Ocean pack ice near 71°N, then descends through Siberian tundra and the Verkhoyansk mountain region before continuing south over Mongolia's Gobi Desert and into interior China ahead of the descent toward Hong Kong.