About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Leeds Bradford (LBA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Leeds. The left side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on departure — and also captures the southern coast of Greenland and Iceland's volcanic interior during the transatlantic crossing. The landing view on the right is good but the Pennine scenery is relatively modest compared to the departure spectacle.
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 eastbound departures on runways 10L/10R put the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on the left side. You get a clear view of the downtown Loop, Grant Park, and the lakefront as the aircraft climbs and turns northeast toward the Atlantic routing. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier, Grant Park and Museum Campus.
What can I see when landing at Leeds Bradford in Leeds?
When landing at Leeds Bradford (LBA), sit on the Right side for the best views. LBA's most common approach is from the west on runway 32, meaning the aircraft tracks northeast over the Pennines before turning to land heading northwest. The right side gives views over the Yorkshire Dales, the Wharfe Valley, and the urban spread of Leeds city center as you descend. Notable sights include: Yorkshire Dales moorland, Wharfe Valley, Leeds city center, Ilkley Moor.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Leeds?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Leeds Bradford (LBA) takes Approximately 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours.
What does the Chicago to Leeds flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over Lake Michigan, then across southern Ontario and Quebec before heading out over the North Atlantic near Newfoundland. Mid-flight passes south of Greenland where the ice sheet edge and fjords are visible in clear conditions. The route then crosses Iceland or passes just south of it, offering views of the volcanic interior, glaciers including Vatnajokull, and coastal lava fields. Descent is over the North Sea before crossing the Yorkshire coast near Bridlington and tracking inland over the Vale of York toward Leeds.