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FRA → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic Greenland ice sheet and the rugged Arctic landscapes of Northern Canada, benefiting from indirect sunlight which is ideal for photography.
Greenland Ice Cap
Stunning vistas of massive glaciers, deep fjords, and the immense white expanse of the inland ice sheet.
Iceberg Alley
Spot large icebergs floating in the Labrador Sea near the coast of Greenland and Northern Canada.
Labrador Wilderness
Fly over the untouched Boreal forests, thousands of small lakes, and frozen tundra of Northern Quebec and Labrador.
Lake Michigan Coast
A beautiful view of the sandy eastern coastline of Lake Michigan as the plane begins its final descent into Chicago.
Chicago Skyline
If the aircraft approaches O'Hare from the east, you may see the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center reflecting off the lake.
For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Greenland glaciers, which typically appear 4 to 5 hours into the flight. Since the right side faces north, the lighting is soft and consistent, making it perfect for capturing the blue hues of the ice and water. During winter months, watch for the aurora borealis if your flight departs late in the day.
English Channel
Aerial views of the busy shipping lanes and the white cliffs of the Southern UK coast shortly after departure.
Newfoundland Coast
The first sight of North America often reveals the rocky, indented coastline of Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Toronto & Lake Ontario
On more southerly tracks, the urban sprawl of the Greater Toronto Area and the vast blue expanse of Lake Ontario are visible.
Midwestern Grids
The iconic American agricultural grid pattern becomes visible as you descend across Michigan and Indiana toward Illinois.
The left side faces south, meaning you will deal with direct, harsh sunlight for most of the westward flight. Use your window shade to prevent glare on your screen, but keep an eye out during the final hour for views of the Great Lakes. If the flight path takes a southern route, you might catch the CN Tower in the distance.
Distance: 6,971 km (4,332 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 12 min
Departure: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: International
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