The right side offers a stronger combination of the Chicago lakefront skyline on departure and the Thames/London skyline on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat farmland and generic suburbs on both ends.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Great Lakes region, southern Ontario, and then the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland before making landfall over Ireland and crossing the Irish Sea into England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTFlights out of ORD heading northeast typically depart over Lake Michigan's southern shoreline, giving right-side passengers a view of the Chicago skyline and lakefront as the plane climbs out. Left side sees mostly Chicago suburbs and flat farmland.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTApproaching LHR from the east or north, right-side passengers often catch views of the Thames estuary, the City of London, and the Thames winding through central London before landing, including landmarks near Canary Wharf. Left side typically shows western suburbs and the M25 corridor with less distinct scenery.
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 Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to London. The right side offers a stronger combination of the Chicago lakefront skyline on departure and the Thames/London skyline on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat farmland and generic suburbs on both ends.
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. Flights out of ORD heading northeast typically depart over Lake Michigan's southern shoreline, giving right-side passengers a view of the Chicago skyline and lakefront as the plane climbs out. Left side sees mostly Chicago suburbs and flat farmland. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching LHR from the east or north, right-side passengers often catch views of the Thames estuary, the City of London, and the Thames winding through central London before landing, including landmarks near Canary Wharf. Left side typically shows western suburbs and the M25 corridor with less distinct scenery. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, Central London skyline, Thames Estuary.
How long is the flight from Chicago to London?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 8h 05m.
What does the Chicago to London flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Great Lakes region, southern Ontario, and then the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland before making landfall over Ireland and crossing the Irish Sea into England.