While takeoff and landing favor the right side, the long cruise phase tips the balance: the great-circle route arcs far enough north that the left side offers views of the Labrador coast and the ice-covered mountains of southern Greenland, a rare and dramatic sight unmatched by the flatter terrain on the southern side of the aircraft.
Flight Path
Great Lakes, Labrador Peninsula and Labrador Sea, southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, North Atlantic Ocean, approach over Ireland, southwestern England or Brittany, and the Bay of Biscay before crossing into northern Spain
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD, the northeast-bound track puts Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over the lakefront before turning onto its transatlantic heading.
Landing at MAD
RIGHTIn Madrid's typical north-configuration approach, arrivals come from the south, and the right side of the aircraft faces east toward the city's skyline and the rising foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama beyond as the plane lines up for the northbound landing.
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 Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Madrid. While takeoff and landing favor the right side, the long cruise phase tips the balance: the great-circle route arcs far enough north that the left side offers views of the Labrador coast and the ice-covered mountains of southern Greenland, a rare and dramatic sight unmatched by the flatter terrain on the southern side of the aircraft.
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. Departing ORD, the northeast-bound track puts Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over the lakefront before turning onto its transatlantic heading. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. In Madrid's typical north-configuration approach, arrivals come from the south, and the right side of the aircraft faces east toward the city's skyline and the rising foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama beyond as the plane lines up for the northbound landing. Notable sights include: Madrid skyline (Cuatro Torres towers), Sierra de Guadarrama foothills, Jarama river valley.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Madrid?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Barajas (MAD) takes 8h 10m.
What does the Chicago to Madrid flight path pass over?
Great Lakes, Labrador Peninsula and Labrador Sea, southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, North Atlantic Ocean, approach over Ireland, southwestern England or Brittany, and the Bay of Biscay before crossing into northern Spain