While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff offers more dramatic and varied scenery with Mediterranean coastline, hills, and the Dead Sea visible simultaneously. The right side captures the most geographically distinctive features of the departure region.
Flown TLV to ORD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tel Aviv to Chicago is 6,166 miles (9,924 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean (no visible landmarks for 6-7 hours), then approaches North America over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritime provinces. The Great Lakes region becomes visible approximately 2 hours before landing, with Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and surrounding terrain providing the most notable midpoint geographic features. The St. Lawrence River valley and the Appalachian Mountain chain are visible during the approach to the North American continent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TLV
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Judean Hills as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Ben Gurion. The Dead Sea and Jordan Rift Valley are also visible to the east on the right side during initial climb.
Landing at ORD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the final approach from the northeast. The grid pattern of downtown Chicago and the lakefront parks are clearly visible on descent into O'Hare.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ben Gurion (TLV) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tel Aviv to Chicago. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff offers more dramatic and varied scenery with Mediterranean coastline, hills, and the Dead Sea visible simultaneously. The right side captures the most geographically distinctive features of the departure region.
What can I see during takeoff from Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
During takeoff from Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Judean Hills as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Ben Gurion. The Dead Sea and Jordan Rift Valley are also visible to the east on the right side during initial climb. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea (western coastline), Judean Hills (eastern ridge), Dead Sea (southeastern depression), Tel Aviv urban sprawl (directly below during climb).
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the final approach from the northeast. The grid pattern of downtown Chicago and the lakefront parks are clearly visible on descent into O'Hare. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (dominant water body), Chicago downtown skyline (Loop district), Grant Park and lakefront (eastern shoreline), Illinois prairie (western approach terrain).
How long is the flight from Tel Aviv to Chicago?
The flight from Ben Gurion (TLV) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 13 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 Tel Aviv to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean (no visible landmarks for 6-7 hours), then approaches North America over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritime provinces. The Great Lakes region becomes visible approximately 2 hours before landing, with Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and surrounding terrain providing the most notable midpoint geographic features. The St. Lawrence River valley and the Appalachian Mountain chain are visible during the approach to the North American continent.