While Chicago's skyline offers a nice departure view, it's a brief glimpse compared to the extended, iconic approach over Sydney Harbour with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge clearly visible, making the right side the stronger choice for this ultra-long-haul flight dominated by open Pacific Ocean during cruise.
Flown ORD to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Sydney is 9,235 miles (14,862 km), a flight of about 17 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses the western United States near the Rockies and the California coast before heading out over the vast, largely featureless central and southern Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight, passing well south of Hawaii and near the Fiji-Samoa island region before making landfall on Australia's east coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTDepartures from ORD typically roll west then bank south toward the Pacific crossing, putting downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan's shoreline on the left side of the cabin during the initial turn and climb. The right side only shows flat farmland stretching toward the horizon.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTArrivals into Sydney from the Pacific commonly track down the coast before turning onto final approach, bringing Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge into view on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows open ocean and the eastern beaches with less distinctive detail.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Sydney. While Chicago's skyline offers a nice departure view, it's a brief glimpse compared to the extended, iconic approach over Sydney Harbour with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge clearly visible, making the right side the stronger choice for this ultra-long-haul flight dominated by open Pacific Ocean during cruise.
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. Departures from ORD typically roll west then bank south toward the Pacific crossing, putting downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan's shoreline on the left side of the cabin during the initial turn and climb. The right side only shows flat farmland stretching toward the horizon. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Willis Tower area, O'Hare's surrounding suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Sydney from the Pacific commonly track down the coast before turning onto final approach, bringing Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge into view on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows open ocean and the eastern beaches with less distinctive detail. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Sydney?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 17 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,235 miles (14,862 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Sydney flight path pass over?
The route crosses the western United States near the Rockies and the California coast before heading out over the vast, largely featureless central and southern Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight, passing well south of Hawaii and near the Fiji-Samoa island region before making landfall on Australia's east coast.