The left side captures the most dramatic scenery on both segments—Lake Michigan and Chicago's waterfront on departure, and the Seine valley and Parisian landscape on arrival. While the right side offers some industrial interest near Paris, the left provides more visually compelling natural and urban features throughout the flight.
Flown ORD to LBG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Paris is 4,138 miles (6,660 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000–35,000 feet). Over the Atlantic, passengers may glimpse the southern tip of Greenland or the Faroe Islands if the aircraft tracks far north, though these are often obscured by cloud cover. The flight then approaches Europe over the Irish Sea and UK airspace, potentially offering views of the Irish coast, Wales, or southern England during descent into European airspace. The final approach into Paris crosses the Seine valley and Île-de-France agricultural and suburban landscape.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTLeft side offers views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, with the Chicago skyline receding behind. Right side faces inland toward flat terrain with fewer distinctive features during the initial climb.
Landing at LBG
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Seine River valley, Parisian suburbs, and the approach into Le Bourget from the southeast. Left side faces away from the airport approach corridor and offers less distinctive scenery during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Le Bourget (LBG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Paris. The left side captures the most dramatic scenery on both segments—Lake Michigan and Chicago's waterfront on departure, and the Seine valley and Parisian landscape on arrival. While the right side offers some industrial interest near Paris, the left provides more visually compelling natural and urban features throughout the flight.
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. Left side offers views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, with the Chicago skyline receding behind. Right side faces inland toward flat terrain with fewer distinctive features during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Indiana shoreline to the south.
What can I see when landing at Le Bourget in Paris?
When landing at Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Seine River valley, Parisian suburbs, and the approach into Le Bourget from the southeast. Left side faces away from the airport approach corridor and offers less distinctive scenery during descent. Notable sights include: Seine River and its meanders, Parisian urban sprawl, Seine-Saint-Denis industrial zone north of Paris.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Paris?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Le Bourget (LBG) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,138 miles (6,660 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000–35,000 feet). Over the Atlantic, passengers may glimpse the southern tip of Greenland or the Faroe Islands if the aircraft tracks far north, though these are often obscured by cloud cover. The flight then approaches Europe over the Irish Sea and UK airspace, potentially offering views of the Irish coast, Wales, or southern England during descent into European airspace. The final approach into Paris crosses the Seine valley and Île-de-France agricultural and suburban landscape.