While the right side wins at takeoff for the Bay of Panama and canal views, the left side dominates the majority of the flight. Over Central America and Mexico the left side tracks closer to the Gulf of Mexico coastline and the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Chicago arrival on the left delivers one of the most dramatic urban approaches in North America with the lakefront skyline.
Flown PTY to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Chicago is 2,332 miles (3,753 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses Costa Rica and Nicaragua over the Central American volcanic cordillera, then over the Yucatan Peninsula and Gulf of Mexico. Notable features include the Gulf of Honduras, the Yucatan Channel between Mexico and Cuba, the broad flat Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River valley as the flight enters the US Midwest over Louisiana or Arkansas before tracking north toward Chicago.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PTY
RIGHTTocumen's primary departure runway 03L/21R means northbound departures climb out heading roughly north, putting the Pacific coast of Panama and Panama City's skyline on the right side. You get a clear view of the Bay of Panama and the city's Cinta Costera waterfront as the aircraft banks northwest.
Landing at ORD
LEFTFlights from Panama typically approach O'Hare from the south or southeast, with the most common landing on runways 10L/10C heading east or 28R/28L heading west. On a southerly approach heading north, the left side gives a clear view of downtown Chicago's skyline, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the city grid spreading south. On a westerly approach, the left side still captures the lakefront and Loop.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Chicago. While the right side wins at takeoff for the Bay of Panama and canal views, the left side dominates the majority of the flight. Over Central America and Mexico the left side tracks closer to the Gulf of Mexico coastline and the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Chicago arrival on the left delivers one of the most dramatic urban approaches in North America with the lakefront skyline.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Tocumen's primary departure runway 03L/21R means northbound departures climb out heading roughly north, putting the Pacific coast of Panama and Panama City's skyline on the right side. You get a clear view of the Bay of Panama and the city's Cinta Costera waterfront as the aircraft banks northwest. Notable sights include: Bay of Panama, Panama City skyline and Cinta Costera, Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, Gatun Lake.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Flights from Panama typically approach O'Hare from the south or southeast, with the most common landing on runways 10L/10C heading east or 28R/28L heading west. On a southerly approach heading north, the left side gives a clear view of downtown Chicago's skyline, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the city grid spreading south. On a westerly approach, the left side still captures the lakefront and Loop. Notable sights include: Chicago Loop skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Wrigley Field area (North Side), suburban grid of Cook County.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Chicago?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,332 miles (3,753 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Chicago flight path pass over?
The route crosses Costa Rica and Nicaragua over the Central American volcanic cordillera, then over the Yucatan Peninsula and Gulf of Mexico. Notable features include the Gulf of Honduras, the Yucatan Channel between Mexico and Cuba, the broad flat Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River valley as the flight enters the US Midwest over Louisiana or Arkansas before tracking north toward Chicago.