While takeoff favors the right for Lake Michigan, the landing view on the left—capturing the Meuse River valley and Belgian agricultural landscape—is more visually distinctive and geographically significant for a transatlantic arrival. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown UGN to BRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Brussels is 4,125 miles (6,639 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude—too far north or south depending on routing). Over the Atlantic, no landmarks are visible except occasional cloud formations. Approaching European airspace, the flight enters the North Sea basin; the Scottish Highlands and Irish coast may be visible on the northern horizon during descent into Belgian airspace, depending on exact routing and weather. The final approach corridor crosses the Low Countries—Flanders region with its characteristic flat terrain, canal systems, and agricultural grid pattern.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from UGN
RIGHTWaukegan Regional typically departs northeastward (Runways 10/28, with northeast ops favored). Right-side seats capture Lake Michigan's western shoreline immediately after liftoff, plus the Chicago metropolitan sprawl receding southwestward. Left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive visual reference.
Landing at BRU
LEFTBrussels National uses Runways 01/19 and 07/25; transatlantic arrivals typically approach from the west or northwest (Runway 07 or 01). Left-side seats on westbound approach capture the Meuse River valley, Belgian agricultural plains, and the approach corridor over Flanders. Right side faces less distinctive terrain inland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Waukegan Rgnl (UGN) to Brussels Natl (BRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Brussels. While takeoff favors the right for Lake Michigan, the landing view on the left—capturing the Meuse River valley and Belgian agricultural landscape—is more visually distinctive and geographically significant for a transatlantic arrival. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Waukegan Rgnl in Chicago?
During takeoff from Waukegan Rgnl (UGN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Waukegan Regional typically departs northeastward (Runways 10/28, with northeast ops favored). Right-side seats capture Lake Michigan's western shoreline immediately after liftoff, plus the Chicago metropolitan sprawl receding southwestward. Left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive visual reference. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate eastern boundary), Chicago skyline district (south-southwest, receding), North Shore suburban grid (west and southwest), Waukegan harbor and industrial waterfront (directly below during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at Brussels Natl in Brussels?
When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Brussels National uses Runways 01/19 and 07/25; transatlantic arrivals typically approach from the west or northwest (Runway 07 or 01). Left-side seats on westbound approach capture the Meuse River valley, Belgian agricultural plains, and the approach corridor over Flanders. Right side faces less distinctive terrain inland. Notable sights include: Meuse River (meandering waterway, visible as silvery thread through green landscape), Flanders agricultural patchwork (geometric field patterns in greens and browns), Brussels metropolitan area (urban sprawl with ring roads visible), Zaventem airport infrastructure (runways and taxiways becoming prominent in final descent).
How long is the flight from Chicago to Brussels?
The flight from Waukegan Rgnl (UGN) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,125 miles (6,639 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Brussels flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude—too far north or south depending on routing). Over the Atlantic, no landmarks are visible except occasional cloud formations. Approaching European airspace, the flight enters the North Sea basin; the Scottish Highlands and Irish coast may be visible on the northern horizon during descent into Belgian airspace, depending on exact routing and weather. The final approach corridor crosses the Low Countries—Flanders region with its characteristic flat terrain, canal systems, and agricultural grid pattern.