The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on departure, and a dramatic descent over the Tagus River and Lisbon's cityscape on arrival — while the long mid-Atlantic cruise phase is scenically equal and unremarkable on both sides.
Flight Path
Great Lakes region near Lake Erie/Ontario, eastern Canada near the Gulf of St. Lawrence, then several hours over the open North Atlantic Ocean before reaching the Iberian coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTEastbound departures from ORD climb out toward the northern suburbs before turning toward Lake Michigan, and on the south (right) side passengers get a brief but clear view of the Chicago skyline and the lake's shoreline. The left side over the flat farmland northwest of the city offers little in comparison.
Landing at LIS
RIGHTOn the northerly wind pattern, arrivals into LIS descend from the north directly over Lisbon, and the west-facing (right) side reveals the Tagus River estuary, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the historic downtown rooftops before the final turn to runway 20. The left side mostly shows the flatter eastern suburbs with less visual interest.
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 Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Lisbon. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a glimpse of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on departure, and a dramatic descent over the Tagus River and Lisbon's cityscape on arrival — while the long mid-Atlantic cruise phase is scenically equal and unremarkable on both sides.
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. Eastbound departures from ORD climb out toward the northern suburbs before turning toward Lake Michigan, and on the south (right) side passengers get a brief but clear view of the Chicago skyline and the lake's shoreline. The left side over the flat farmland northwest of the city offers little in comparison. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Hancock Center), Lake Michigan shoreline, O'Hare's runway grid below.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the northerly wind pattern, arrivals into LIS descend from the north directly over Lisbon, and the west-facing (right) side reveals the Tagus River estuary, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the historic downtown rooftops before the final turn to runway 20. The left side mostly shows the flatter eastern suburbs with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon's historic downtown (Baixa/Alfama), Atlantic coastline near the river mouth.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Lisbon?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Lisboa (LIS) takes 7h 45m.
What does the Chicago to Lisbon flight path pass over?
Great Lakes region near Lake Erie/Ontario, eastern Canada near the Gulf of St. Lawrence, then several hours over the open North Atlantic Ocean before reaching the Iberian coast