The great-circle route passes close to southern Greenland's coastal ice fields and Labrador, giving left-side passengers a rare glimpse of glacial terrain during cruise, and the same side delivers the Alpine approach into Malpensa — together outweighing the ocean-dominated right side.
Flown ORD to MXP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Milano is 4,511 miles (7,259 km), a flight of about 9 hours 5 minutes.
Labrador coast, Davis Strait, southern Greenland ice sheet and coastal fjords, open North Atlantic
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD, flights climbing out toward the northeast typically bank over Lake Michigan, giving right-side passengers a last look at the Chicago skyline and lakefront before the aircraft turns onto its transatlantic heading.
Landing at MXP
LEFTOn the descent into Malpensa from the north, the aircraft crosses the Alpine foothills before turning south toward the airport, putting the jagged peaks and Lake Maggiore on the left side of the cabin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Malpensa (MXP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Milano. The great-circle route passes close to southern Greenland's coastal ice fields and Labrador, giving left-side passengers a rare glimpse of glacial terrain during cruise, and the same side delivers the Alpine approach into Malpensa — together outweighing the ocean-dominated right side.
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, flights climbing out toward the northeast typically bank over Lake Michigan, giving right-side passengers a last look at the Chicago skyline and lakefront before the aircraft turns onto its transatlantic heading. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area, O'Hare's grid of runways below.
What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?
When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into Malpensa from the north, the aircraft crosses the Alpine foothills before turning south toward the airport, putting the jagged peaks and Lake Maggiore on the left side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Alpine foothills, Lake Maggiore, Ticino River plain, distant snow-capped peaks toward Switzerland.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Milano?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Malpensa (MXP) takes about 9 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,511 miles (7,259 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Milano flight path pass over?
Labrador coast, Davis Strait, southern Greenland ice sheet and coastal fjords, open North Atlantic