Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet the left side also faces south, giving occasional views of the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's volcanic terrain as the great circle route arcs over the North Atlantic. Right side has open ocean for most of the flight.
Flight Path
The great circle route from ORD to MAN tracks northeast over Lake Michigan, southern Ontario and Quebec, then out over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland. The mid-Atlantic portion passes south of Greenland where the ice cap edge may be visible on clear days. The route then crosses Ireland — the green patchwork of County Clare and the Irish Midlands — before crossing the Irish Sea and descending over northwest England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTO'Hare's primary departure runways for eastbound transatlantic flights are typically 10R/10L, heading east. A left (north-facing) seat gives you a clear view back over the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's southern shoreline as you climb out. The downtown Loop and lakefront are clearly visible to the south-southeast before the aircraft turns northeast.
Landing at MAN
LEFTManchester Airport's most common landing configuration for transatlantic arrivals is runway 23L/23R, approaching from the northeast over the Pennines. A left seat faces southeast, giving views over the Peak District moorlands and the Greater Manchester urban area spreading below. The city centre, Salford Quays, and the Pennine hills to the east are all clearly visible on final approach.
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 Manchester (MAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Manchester. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet the left side also faces south, giving occasional views of the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's volcanic terrain as the great circle route arcs over the North Atlantic. Right side has open ocean for most of 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. O'Hare's primary departure runways for eastbound transatlantic flights are typically 10R/10L, heading east. A left (north-facing) seat gives you a clear view back over the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan's southern shoreline as you climb out. The downtown Loop and lakefront are clearly visible to the south-southeast before the aircraft turns northeast. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan southern shoreline, Navy Pier, Indiana Dunes shoreline to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Manchester in Manchester?
When landing at Manchester (MAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Manchester Airport's most common landing configuration for transatlantic arrivals is runway 23L/23R, approaching from the northeast over the Pennines. A left seat faces southeast, giving views over the Peak District moorlands and the Greater Manchester urban area spreading below. The city centre, Salford Quays, and the Pennine hills to the east are all clearly visible on final approach. Notable sights include: Greater Manchester urban sprawl, Peak District moorlands to the east, Pennine hills, Salford Quays MediaCity area.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Manchester?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Manchester (MAN) takes Approximately 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours.
What does the Chicago to Manchester flight path pass over?
The great circle route from ORD to MAN tracks northeast over Lake Michigan, southern Ontario and Quebec, then out over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland. The mid-Atlantic portion passes south of Greenland where the ice cap edge may be visible on clear days. The route then crosses Ireland — the green patchwork of County Clare and the Irish Midlands — before crossing the Irish Sea and descending over northwest England.