While left offers good departure views over Lake Michigan, right-side seats provide superior scenery on the approach into London, with the Thames River and London's distinctive urban geography being far more visually striking than the transatlantic ocean crossing visible from either side during cruise.
Flown ORD to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to London is 3,960 miles (6,374 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean (open water with occasional cloud formations), Irish coastline and Celtic Sea (if visible during daylight hours), Welsh mountains and Pennines (distant inland features on approach to UK airspace), English Midlands and Thames Valley (during descent into London)
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, then the Illinois prairie and farmland stretching eastward. Right side faces inland toward flat terrain with fewer distinctive features during the initial climb.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the distinctive meanders of the Thames River as the aircraft descends into London City Airport. Left side faces toward Essex marshland with fewer recognizable landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to London. While left offers good departure views over Lake Michigan, right-side seats provide superior scenery on the approach into London, with the Thames River and London's distinctive urban geography being far more visually striking than the transatlantic ocean crossing visible from either side during cruise.
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 seats offer views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, then the Illinois prairie and farmland stretching eastward. Right side faces inland toward flat terrain with fewer distinctive features during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (shoreline and open water), Chicago downtown skyline (receding behind), Illinois agricultural plains.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the distinctive meanders of the Thames River as the aircraft descends into London City Airport. Left side faces toward Essex marshland with fewer recognizable landmarks. Notable sights include: Thames River with its characteristic meanders, London's East End urban grid, Canary Wharf district (visible as tall structures), North Sea coast and Essex marshes in the distance.
How long is the flight from Chicago to London?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to City (LCY) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,960 miles (6,374 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to London flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean (open water with occasional cloud formations), Irish coastline and Celtic Sea (if visible during daylight hours), Welsh mountains and Pennines (distant inland features on approach to UK airspace), English Midlands and Thames Valley (during descent into London)