The right side scores higher due to the landing sequence: Lake Michigan's shoreline and Chicago's dramatic downtown skyline provide concentrated visual interest during descent and approach. While Beijing's takeoff offers urban and mountain scenery, the cruise phase over the North American interior (flat Great Plains and Canadian Shield) is monotonous. The right side's landing experience outweighs the left side's takeoff advantage.
Flown PEK to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Chicago is 6,563 miles (10,562 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
Bering Strait region (far north, not visible at cruise altitude), Aleutian Islands chain (southern edge visible on northerly routing), Canadian Arctic Archipelago and Hudson Bay (northern routing), Great Lakes region (final approach phase)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
LEFTBeijing's urban sprawl and the Ming Tombs ridge to the northwest provide immediate visual interest during northwesterly climb-out. The city's grid pattern and surrounding hills contrast sharply with the flat approach terrain.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTThe approach into Chicago from the northeast crosses Lake Michigan's shoreline, revealing the city's downtown skyline against the lake. The contrast between water and urban density, plus the distinctive lakefront geography, creates stronger visual drama than the western approach over flat Illinois farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Capital (PEK) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Chicago. The right side scores higher due to the landing sequence: Lake Michigan's shoreline and Chicago's dramatic downtown skyline provide concentrated visual interest during descent and approach. While Beijing's takeoff offers urban and mountain scenery, the cruise phase over the North American interior (flat Great Plains and Canadian Shield) is monotonous. The right side's landing experience outweighs the left side's takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Beijing's urban sprawl and the Ming Tombs ridge to the northwest provide immediate visual interest during northwesterly climb-out. The city's grid pattern and surrounding hills contrast sharply with the flat approach terrain. Notable sights include: Beijing urban core and ring roads, Ming Tombs ridge (Yanqing District), Jundu Mountains to the north, Yongding River valley.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. The approach into Chicago from the northeast crosses Lake Michigan's shoreline, revealing the city's downtown skyline against the lake. The contrast between water and urban density, plus the distinctive lakefront geography, creates stronger visual drama than the western approach over flat Illinois farmland. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Grant Park waterfront, Indiana Dunes (distant, south).
How long is the flight from Beijing to Chicago?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,563 miles (10,562 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Chicago flight path pass over?
Bering Strait region (far north, not visible at cruise altitude), Aleutian Islands chain (southern edge visible on northerly routing), Canadian Arctic Archipelago and Hudson Bay (northern routing), Great Lakes region (final approach phase)