While the left offers good Perth departure views, the right side provides superior scenery on the approach into Chicago with Lake Michigan and the skyline. For a 17-hour flight, the arrival experience typically matters more to passengers than the departure.
Flown PER to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Perth to Chicago is 10,955 miles (17,630 km), a flight of about 17 hours.
This ultra-long-haul route typically routes northeast across the Indian Ocean toward the Middle East (Strait of Hormuz region visible on some flights), then over Iran, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. Depending on the specific routing, you may see the Caspian Sea, Black Sea, or the Alps during the European crossing phase. The flight crosses multiple time zones and typically includes a fuel stop or continues non-stop depending on the aircraft type and airline routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PER
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Perth's coastal geography immediately after departure. You'll see the Swan River estuary, Fremantle port, and the Indian Ocean coastline stretching south toward Rockingham.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during the approach into Chicago. You'll see Lake Michigan's shoreline, the Chicago skyline, and the grid of the city's neighborhoods as you descend toward O'Hare on the northwest side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Perth International (PER) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Perth to Chicago. While the left offers good Perth departure views, the right side provides superior scenery on the approach into Chicago with Lake Michigan and the skyline. For a 17-hour flight, the arrival experience typically matters more to passengers than the departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Perth International in Perth?
During takeoff from Perth International (PER), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Perth's coastal geography immediately after departure. You'll see the Swan River estuary, Fremantle port, and the Indian Ocean coastline stretching south toward Rockingham. Notable sights include: Swan River estuary, Fremantle Harbor, Indian Ocean coastline, Darling Range (distant inland).
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. Right-side seats provide excellent views during the approach into Chicago. You'll see Lake Michigan's shoreline, the Chicago skyline, and the grid of the city's neighborhoods as you descend toward O'Hare on the northwest side. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Chicago River, O'Hare Airport runways.
How long is the flight from Perth to Chicago?
The flight from Perth International (PER) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 17 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 10,955 miles (17,630 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Perth to Chicago flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-haul route typically routes northeast across the Indian Ocean toward the Middle East (Strait of Hormuz region visible on some flights), then over Iran, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. Depending on the specific routing, you may see the Caspian Sea, Black Sea, or the Alps during the European crossing phase. The flight crosses multiple time zones and typically includes a fuel stop or continues non-stop depending on the aircraft type and airline routing.