Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Chicago. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Alpine departure views over Lake Zurich and the Bernese and Glarus Alps, which are among the most dramatic scenery on any transatlantic route. The landing view on the right is excellent but the Alpine departure is the highlight of this flight.

During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs westbound on runway 16/28, and a left-side seat gives you a clear view south over Lake Zurich and toward the Alps. You'll see the Glarus Alps and the Bernese Oberland peaks as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest toward the Atlantic routing. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich stretching southeast, the Glarus Alps including Tödi, the Bernese Oberland peaks including Eiger and Jungfrau on the distant horizon, and the city of Zurich itself below.

When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. O'Hare predominantly uses eastbound arrivals on runways 10L/10R or northbound on 27L/27R depending on wind. A right-side seat on approach from the east gives you the best view of downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan. You'll see the lakefront, Grant Park, and the Loop clearly before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago downtown Loop skyline including Willis Tower, Grant Park and the Museum Campus, and the Chicago River snaking through the grid.

The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.

The flight tracks northwest over France and the English Channel, then across southern England near London, before heading out over the North Atlantic. The route passes south of Greenland and Iceland, crossing the Canadian Maritime provinces including Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, then tracking southwest over the Great Lakes region into Chicago. Greenland's ice sheet may be visible as a white mass on the horizon from the left side at cruise altitude if the routing passes close enough, and the St. Lawrence River and Lake Huron are recognizable landmarks on descent into the Midwest.