The left side wins because the great-circle route north from Chicago passes over Greenland's ice sheet and Scandinavian fjords during cruise, offering far more dramatic terrain than the ocean-heavy view on the right, and it also captures the better takeoff and landing city views.
Flown ORD to HYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Hyderabad is 8,254 miles (13,283 km), a flight of about 15 hours 45 minutes.
Hudson Bay, Greenland ice sheet, Norwegian Sea coastline, Scandinavian fjords, and later the Caspian Sea and Iranian Zagros Mountains before descending toward the Deccan Plateau
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTDeparting ORD to the east before curving north toward the polar route, the left side offers a brief but clear view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline as the aircraft banks northeast. The right side mostly shows flat Illinois suburbs and farmland.
Landing at HYD
LEFTOn approach into HYD from the northwest, the left side offers views of Hyderabad's sprawling cityscape and Hussain Sagar Lake as the aircraft turns onto final approach. The Deccan Plateau's rocky outcrops are also visible on this side during descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Hyderabad. The left side wins because the great-circle route north from Chicago passes over Greenland's ice sheet and Scandinavian fjords during cruise, offering far more dramatic terrain than the ocean-heavy view on the right, and it also captures the better takeoff and landing city views.
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. Departing ORD to the east before curving north toward the polar route, the left side offers a brief but clear view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline as the aircraft banks northeast. The right side mostly shows flat Illinois suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, O'Hare's grid of runways below.
What can I see when landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad?
When landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into HYD from the northwest, the left side offers views of Hyderabad's sprawling cityscape and Hussain Sagar Lake as the aircraft turns onto final approach. The Deccan Plateau's rocky outcrops are also visible on this side during descent. Notable sights include: Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad city sprawl, Deccan Plateau granite outcrops, Charminar area skyline.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Hyderabad?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) takes about 15 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,254 miles (13,283 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Hyderabad flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay, Greenland ice sheet, Norwegian Sea coastline, Scandinavian fjords, and later the Caspian Sea and Iranian Zagros Mountains before descending toward the Deccan Plateau