The right side strings together the flight's best moments: Chicago's skyline and lake at departure, glimpses of Alaska's mountains, Kamchatka's volcanoes, and Japan's coastline along the great-circle cruise track, and Manila Bay with its islands on arrival. The left side spends nearly the entire flight over featureless open Pacific water.
Flown ORD to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Manila is 8,121 miles (13,070 km), a flight of about 15 hours 45 minutes.
Alaska Range near Denali, the Aleutian chain and Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic cones, the Japanese coastline near Hokkaido and Honshu, and northern Luzon's Sierra Madre mountains as the route curves south toward Manila.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD on a west-facing runway, the aircraft banks north to pick up the great-circle track toward Asia, swinging downtown Chicago and the Lake Michigan shoreline into view on the right side just after liftoff. The left side only shows flat Illinois farmland receding behind.
Landing at MNL
RIGHTOn the descent into NAIA, the flight path crosses northern Luzon before turning to align with the runway over Manila Bay, putting the bay, Corregidor Island, and the Metro Manila skyline on the right side during final approach. The left side mostly shows inland Luzon terrain and Laguna de Bay with less coastal drama.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Manila. The right side strings together the flight's best moments: Chicago's skyline and lake at departure, glimpses of Alaska's mountains, Kamchatka's volcanoes, and Japan's coastline along the great-circle cruise track, and Manila Bay with its islands on arrival. The left side spends nearly the entire flight over featureless open Pacific water.
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 on a west-facing runway, the aircraft banks north to pick up the great-circle track toward Asia, swinging downtown Chicago and the Lake Michigan shoreline into view on the right side just after liftoff. The left side only shows flat Illinois farmland receding behind. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, O'Hare's surrounding suburban grid.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into NAIA, the flight path crosses northern Luzon before turning to align with the runway over Manila Bay, putting the bay, Corregidor Island, and the Metro Manila skyline on the right side during final approach. The left side mostly shows inland Luzon terrain and Laguna de Bay with less coastal drama. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula, Metro Manila skyline (Makati/BGC towers).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Manila?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 15 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,121 miles (13,070 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Manila flight path pass over?
Alaska Range near Denali, the Aleutian chain and Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula's volcanic cones, the Japanese coastline near Hokkaido and Honshu, and northern Luzon's Sierra Madre mountains as the route curves south toward Manila.