The right side wins on the strength of two strong bookends: the Chicago skyline at departure and the Bavarian Alps on the Munich approach. The left side's best moments are the Great Lakes crossing and a possible glimpse of Greenland, but most of the flight is spent over open ocean.
Flight Path
Great Lakes (Michigan and Huron), eastern Canadian coastline, North Atlantic Ocean, occasional visibility of southern Greenland's coastal ice on clear days, Irish coastline near the descent into continental Europe
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTEastbound departures from ORD typically climb out toward the east, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side of the aircraft. Left-side passengers mainly see flat suburban grid patterns.
Landing at MUC
RIGHTMunich's runways run east-west, and arrivals from the west descend with the Bavarian Alps visible to the south, on the right side of the aircraft. The jagged alpine wall provides dramatic contrast to the flat Bavarian plain on the left.
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 Munich (MUC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Munich. The right side wins on the strength of two strong bookends: the Chicago skyline at departure and the Bavarian Alps on the Munich approach. The left side's best moments are the Great Lakes crossing and a possible glimpse of Greenland, but most of the flight is spent over open ocean.
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 typically climb out toward the east, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the right side of the aircraft. Left-side passengers mainly see flat suburban grid patterns. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Willis Tower, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier.
What can I see when landing at Munich in Munich?
When landing at Munich (MUC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Munich's runways run east-west, and arrivals from the west descend with the Bavarian Alps visible to the south, on the right side of the aircraft. The jagged alpine wall provides dramatic contrast to the flat Bavarian plain on the left. Notable sights include: Bavarian Alps, Zugspitze massif, Isar River valley, Munich outskirts.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Munich?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Munich (MUC) takes 8h 35m.
What does the Chicago to Munich flight path pass over?
Great Lakes (Michigan and Huron), eastern Canadian coastline, North Atlantic Ocean, occasional visibility of southern Greenland's coastal ice on clear days, Irish coastline near the descent into continental Europe