The left side wins overall. The Chicago lakefront departure is one of the most dramatic urban takeoffs in North America, and while the right side wins at landing, the left side also captures the Alps crossing from the north — the Swiss and Austrian Alps appear as a dramatic snow-capped ridgeline on the left side as the flight tracks southeast over central Europe. The right side at landing is excellent but brief.
Flown ORD to TLV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Tel Aviv is 6,166 miles (9,924 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route from ORD to TLV tracks northeast over the Great Lakes, then crosses the North Atlantic near Newfoundland and the southern tip of Greenland, crosses Ireland and southern England, then tracks over France and the Alps (Swiss and Austrian ranges visible), continues over northern Italy and the Adriatic Sea, crosses Greece and the Aegean Sea, then descends over the eastern Mediterranean toward Israel. The Alps crossing over Switzerland and Austria is the most visually dramatic midpoint feature, with snow-capped peaks visible from cruising altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD's most common eastbound departures (runway 10 heading) take the aircraft over the Chicago lakefront. The left side gives you a clear view of the downtown skyline, Grant Park, and the Lake Michigan shoreline as you climb out heading east-northeast toward the Atlantic routing.
Landing at TLV
RIGHTBen Gurion's primary landing approach from the west (runway 26 heading, coming in from the Mediterranean) puts the right side facing south toward Tel Aviv's coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. You get a clear view of the Tel Aviv beachfront, the Yarkon River mouth, and the city's dense coastal urban strip on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Ben Gurion (TLV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Tel Aviv. The left side wins overall. The Chicago lakefront departure is one of the most dramatic urban takeoffs in North America, and while the right side wins at landing, the left side also captures the Alps crossing from the north — the Swiss and Austrian Alps appear as a dramatic snow-capped ridgeline on the left side as the flight tracks southeast over central Europe. The right side at landing is excellent but brief.
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's most common eastbound departures (runway 10 heading) take the aircraft over the Chicago lakefront. The left side gives you a clear view of the downtown skyline, Grant Park, and the Lake Michigan shoreline as you climb out heading east-northeast toward the Atlantic routing. Notable sights include: Chicago downtown skyline (Willis Tower, John Hancock), Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park and Museum Campus, Millennium Park grid visible from low altitude.
What can I see when landing at Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
When landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Ben Gurion's primary landing approach from the west (runway 26 heading, coming in from the Mediterranean) puts the right side facing south toward Tel Aviv's coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. You get a clear view of the Tel Aviv beachfront, the Yarkon River mouth, and the city's dense coastal urban strip on final approach. Notable sights include: Tel Aviv Mediterranean coastline and beachfront, Yarkon River mouth, Tel Aviv urban grid and high-rise cluster, Jaffa's historic promontory to the south.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Tel Aviv?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Ben Gurion (TLV) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,166 miles (9,924 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Tel Aviv flight path pass over?
The great circle route from ORD to TLV tracks northeast over the Great Lakes, then crosses the North Atlantic near Newfoundland and the southern tip of Greenland, crosses Ireland and southern England, then tracks over France and the Alps (Swiss and Austrian ranges visible), continues over northern Italy and the Adriatic Sea, crosses Greece and the Aegean Sea, then descends over the eastern Mediterranean toward Israel. The Alps crossing over Switzerland and Austria is the most visually dramatic midpoint feature, with snow-capped peaks visible from cruising altitude.