While the right side wins both the takeoff and landing moments, the left side dominates the long cruise portion of this transatlantic route, passing over the Canadian wilderness, the southern tip of Greenland's ice cap, and Iceland's volcanic terrain — dramatic, high-latitude scenery that far outweighs the mostly open-ocean views on the right during cruise.
Flight Path
The route's midpoint lies near the southern tip of Greenland and the Denmark Strait, with Iceland's glaciers and volcanic coastline appearing shortly after on the great-circle path between Labrador and Northern Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDepartures from ORD toward the northeast put Chicago's downtown skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline off the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out, a brief but genuinely striking urban view. The left side shows only flat suburban grid streets and farmland stretching toward Wisconsin.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach to Istanbul Airport's north-south runways, the final descent path passes near where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea, putting the strait and Asian-side shoreline on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside with less distinctive scenery.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Istanbul. While the right side wins both the takeoff and landing moments, the left side dominates the long cruise portion of this transatlantic route, passing over the Canadian wilderness, the southern tip of Greenland's ice cap, and Iceland's volcanic terrain — dramatic, high-latitude scenery that far outweighs the mostly open-ocean views on the right during cruise.
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 toward the northeast put Chicago's downtown skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline off the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out, a brief but genuinely striking urban view. The left side shows only flat suburban grid streets and farmland stretching toward Wisconsin. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, O'Hare's surrounding suburban grid.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Istanbul Airport's north-south runways, the final descent path passes near where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea, putting the strait and Asian-side shoreline on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait mouth, Black Sea coastline, Asian Istanbul shoreline (Kadıköy/Üsküdar area), Sea of Marmara in the distance.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Istanbul?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 10h 45m.
What does the Chicago to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint lies near the southern tip of Greenland and the Denmark Strait, with Iceland's glaciers and volcanic coastline appearing shortly after on the great-circle path between Labrador and Northern Europe.