Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Manila. Left side wins both ends of this flight. Over the Pacific the views are largely ocean, but the left side also gives you the better angle on Japan's coastline during the polar route transit, with the Sea of Japan visible on the left as you pass south of Hokkaido. Combined with the superior Chicago departure and Manila arrival views, left is the clear choice.

During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. O'Hare's most common departure heading is east or northeast on runways 10/28 or 9R/27L. A left-side seat during a northeast departure gives you a clear view south over downtown Chicago's skyline, the lakefront, and Grant Park. The Willis Tower and the dense Loop grid are unmistakable from this angle. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park/Museum Campus, Chicago River bends through downtown.

When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAIA's primary arrival runway is 06/24, with most international arrivals coming in from the west on runway 06, heading northeast. A left-side seat on this approach gives you a view south over Manila Bay, the historic Intramuros district, and the Pasig River delta. The bay's broad expanse and the city's dense urban fabric are clearly visible. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Intramuros walled city, Pasig River mouth, Manila's dense urban grid of Ermita and Malate districts.

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes Approximately 14 to 16 hours depending on routing and winds.

This route typically follows a polar great-circle path northwest over Lake Superior, then across southern Canada, the Aleutian Island chain or North Pacific, descending south past Japan. Key features include the Canadian Rockies visible in the distance during the Canadian transit, the Aleutian Islands as scattered volcanic peaks emerging from the North Pacific, the Japanese coastline and potentially Mount Fuji if routing passes close enough to Honshu, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea approaching the Philippines.