The great-circle route from Chicago to Krakow arcs north over Canada and the North Atlantic, passing near southern Greenland, Iceland, and the Norwegian coast — all visible off the left side of the aircraft. The right side faces mostly open ocean and cloud cover for the multi-hour transatlantic segment.
Flight Path
Hudson Bay/Labrador coastline, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, Iceland's volcanic highlands, and the Norwegian Sea approaching Scandinavia before crossing into continental Europe
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTEastbound departures from ORD climb out over the city's north side, giving a good look at the Chicago skyline and the Loop before the aircraft turns out over Lake Michigan. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with little contrast.
Landing at KRK
LEFTApproaches into KRK favor runway 25, meaning the aircraft descends from the east and flies westward, putting the city of Krakow and the Vistula River valley on the left side of the aircraft during the final turn. The right side during this leg shows only farmland stretching north.
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 Balice Jp Ii International Airport (KRK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Krakow. The great-circle route from Chicago to Krakow arcs north over Canada and the North Atlantic, passing near southern Greenland, Iceland, and the Norwegian coast — all visible off the left side of the aircraft. The right side faces mostly open ocean and cloud cover for the multi-hour transatlantic segment.
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. Eastbound departures from ORD climb out over the city's north side, giving a good look at the Chicago skyline and the Loop before the aircraft turns out over Lake Michigan. The right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with little contrast. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's runway complex, northern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Balice Jp Ii International Airport in Krakow?
When landing at Balice Jp Ii International Airport (KRK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaches into KRK favor runway 25, meaning the aircraft descends from the east and flies westward, putting the city of Krakow and the Vistula River valley on the left side of the aircraft during the final turn. The right side during this leg shows only farmland stretching north. Notable sights include: City of Krakow and Wawel Castle hill, Vistula River, Krakow's Old Town rooftops, patchwork farmland of southern Poland.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Krakow?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Balice Jp Ii International Airport (KRK) takes 9h 40m.
What does the Chicago to Krakow flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay/Labrador coastline, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, Iceland's volcanic highlands, and the Norwegian Sea approaching Scandinavia before crossing into continental Europe