While the takeoff offers dramatic Icelandic geology, the landing provides the more visually striking urban and water scenery. Right seats capture Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during descent, which is more memorable than the lava fields visible on departure.
Flown RKV to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Chicago is 2,956 miles (4,757 km), a flight of about 6 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing over or near Greenland's southern tip (Davis Strait region), then over Baffin Island and the Canadian Arctic archipelago before descending over the Great Lakes region. From cruise altitude (35,000+ feet), Greenland's ice sheet appears as a vast white expanse with visible outlet glaciers and nunataks. The Canadian Arctic islands are visible as low, tundra-covered landmasses with fjords and ice-choked waters. As the aircraft approaches North America, the transition from Arctic terrain to boreal forest becomes apparent. Lake Superior and Lake Michigan become visible in the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTLeft seats offer views of Reykjavik's harbor, the surrounding lava fields, and the dramatic coastline of the Reykjanes Peninsula as the aircraft climbs westward over the Atlantic.
Landing at ORD
RIGHTRight seats provide views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago shoreline, and the city's downtown skyline as the aircraft descends on the standard eastbound approach to O'Hare, crossing the lake from the northeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Chicago. While the takeoff offers dramatic Icelandic geology, the landing provides the more visually striking urban and water scenery. Right seats capture Lake Michigan and Chicago's skyline during descent, which is more memorable than the lava fields visible on departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of Reykjavik's harbor, the surrounding lava fields, and the dramatic coastline of the Reykjanes Peninsula as the aircraft climbs westward over the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Reykjavik harbor and city grid, Reykjanes Peninsula lava plains, Atlantic coastline, Mount Esja to the northeast.
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 seats provide views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago shoreline, and the city's downtown skyline as the aircraft descends on the standard eastbound approach to O'Hare, crossing the lake from the northeast. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline and Willis Tower, Chicago River, North Shore residential areas.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Chicago?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 6 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,956 miles (4,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing over or near Greenland's southern tip (Davis Strait region), then over Baffin Island and the Canadian Arctic archipelago before descending over the Great Lakes region. From cruise altitude (35,000+ feet), Greenland's ice sheet appears as a vast white expanse with visible outlet glaciers and nunataks. The Canadian Arctic islands are visible as low, tundra-covered landmasses with fjords and ice-choked waters. As the aircraft approaches North America, the transition from Arctic terrain to boreal forest becomes apparent. Lake Superior and Lake Michigan become visible in the final descent phase.