The right side offers the more visually rewarding bookends of the flight — Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan on departure, and the Shannon Estuary with Ireland's Atlantic coastline on arrival — while the long mid-ocean cruise phase is scenically neutral for both sides.
Flown ORD to SNN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Shannon is 3,580 miles (5,762 km), a flight of about 7 hours 10 minutes.
Great Lakes region near Lake Erie/Ontario, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the North Atlantic Ocean with possible distant views of Newfoundland's coastline before the long open-water crossing to Ireland
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTDeparting ORD to the east-northeast, the right side offers a clear view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline receding to the south as the aircraft climbs out, before leveling over Michigan farmland. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with no distinct landmarks.
Landing at SNN
RIGHTOn approach to Shannon's runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast over County Clare, giving the right side a view of the wide Shannon Estuary and the rugged Atlantic coastline near Loop Head before touchdown. The left side mostly faces inland green farmland with fewer distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Shannon (SNN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Shannon. The right side offers the more visually rewarding bookends of the flight — Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan on departure, and the Shannon Estuary with Ireland's Atlantic coastline on arrival — while the long mid-ocean cruise phase is scenically neutral for both sides.
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 to the east-northeast, the right side offers a clear view of Lake Michigan's shoreline and the Chicago skyline receding to the south as the aircraft climbs out, before leveling over Michigan farmland. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with no distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Loop, Willis Tower), Lake Michigan shoreline, Navy Pier area.
What can I see when landing at Shannon in Shannon?
When landing at Shannon (SNN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Shannon's runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast over County Clare, giving the right side a view of the wide Shannon Estuary and the rugged Atlantic coastline near Loop Head before touchdown. The left side mostly faces inland green farmland with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Shannon Estuary, County Clare countryside, Loop Head peninsula, Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Shannon?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Shannon (SNN) takes about 7 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,580 miles (5,762 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Shannon flight path pass over?
Great Lakes region near Lake Erie/Ontario, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the North Atlantic Ocean with possible distant views of Newfoundland's coastline before the long open-water crossing to Ireland