About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Pendik, Istanbul. While takeoff favors the left (Lake Michigan views), the landing approach to Istanbul from the east provides more dramatic and sustained scenery on the right side. The Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus, and Istanbul's sprawling geography offer superior visual interest for the majority of the descent 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. Left seats offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of ORD. You'll see the lake's eastern edge and the city grid spreading inland, with clear definition of the urban-water boundary. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate left), Chicago downtown skyline (inland right), Des Plaines River valley (below), Illinois prairie extending westward.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during the approach to Istanbul. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the city's eastern districts and the Sea of Marmara coastline as you descend toward SAW. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (dominant water feature), Bosphorus strait (narrow passage visible to the west), Asian Istanbul urban sprawl, Prince's Islands (small islands in the Marmara).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes Approximately 10.5 to 11.5 hours.
What does the Chicago to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean (Greenland and Iceland visible on northern routes), then proceeds over the North Atlantic, potentially passing over the UK and France depending on routing. Over continental Europe, you may see the Alps (if routed south of typical paths), the Carpathian Mountains, and the Danube River valley. As you approach Turkey, the Black Sea becomes visible to the north, and the Balkans appear below. The final approach crosses the Marmara Sea with views of the Bosphorus strait and the Dardanelles passage to the south.