Takeoff views from Chicago over Lake Michigan are more dramatic and consistently visible than landing views. The westbound approach to Perth does offer river and city views on the right, but the Chicago departure provides superior geography viewing for most of the initial flight phase.
Flown ORD to PER? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Perth is 10,955 miles (17,630 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
Flight path crosses North America (Great Plains, Rocky Mountains visible on clear days), Pacific Ocean (no landmarks for 8+ hours), then approaches Asia-Pacific via typical routing near Japan or Southeast Asia depending on winds and traffic. Actual routing varies significantly by season and air traffic control. The vast majority of this flight crosses open ocean with no visible landmarks.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD typically departs eastbound (runways 10L/10R/10C) over Lake Michigan. Left seats face the lake and Chicago's downtown skyline during initial climb. Right seats see inland suburbs and lose the water view quickly.
Landing at PER
RIGHTPER uses runways 03/21. Westbound approaches (runway 03) descend over the Indian Ocean then Swan River estuary. Right seats face north toward the city and river during final approach. Eastbound approaches (runway 21) offer less distinctive views of suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Perth International (PER)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Perth. Takeoff views from Chicago over Lake Michigan are more dramatic and consistently visible than landing views. The westbound approach to Perth does offer river and city views on the right, but the Chicago departure provides superior geography viewing for most of the initial flight phase.
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. ORD typically departs eastbound (runways 10L/10R/10C) over Lake Michigan. Left seats face the lake and Chicago's downtown skyline during initial climb. Right seats see inland suburbs and lose the water view quickly. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate foreground), Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower (south-southwest), North Shore suburbs along lakefront (north), Indiana shoreline (distant southeast).
What can I see when landing at Perth International in Perth?
When landing at Perth International (PER), sit on the Right side for the best views. PER uses runways 03/21. Westbound approaches (runway 03) descend over the Indian Ocean then Swan River estuary. Right seats face north toward the city and river during final approach. Eastbound approaches (runway 21) offer less distinctive views of suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Swan River and Perth Water (central feature), Perth CBD skyline (north bank), Fremantle Port and industrial areas (southwest), Indian Ocean (western approach).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Perth?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Perth International (PER) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,955 miles (17,630 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Perth flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses North America (Great Plains, Rocky Mountains visible on clear days), Pacific Ocean (no landmarks for 8+ hours), then approaches Asia-Pacific via typical routing near Japan or Southeast Asia depending on winds and traffic. Actual routing varies significantly by season and air traffic control. The vast majority of this flight crosses open ocean with no visible landmarks.