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ORD â FRA
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior opportunity to witness the spectacular ice sheets of Greenland and the chance to see the Aurora Borealis during night flights across the North Atlantic.
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Lake Michigan
Stunning views of the deep blue waters and the Michigan shoreline shortly after takeoff.
Canadian Boreal Forest
Vast stretches of wilderness and thousands of tiny lakes across Ontario and Quebec.
Greenland Icecap
On northerly tracks, witness the massive glaciers and jagged fjords of southern Greenland.
Aurora Borealis
High probability of seeing the Northern Lights during the dark mid-flight hours over the Atlantic.
Scottish Highlands
Aerial perspective of the rugged northern UK terrain if the flight path tracks north.
Choose the left side for night flights to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis. The sun will rise on the right side, so the left stays dark longer. During winter months, the Greenland ice is particularly sharp and defined. Be sure to check the flight map about 4-5 hours in for Greenland's coast.
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Chicago Skyline
Iconic views of the Willis Tower and lakefront if departing toward the east.
St. Lawrence River
A massive waterway that serves as a major shipping lane between the US and Canada.
Newfoundland Coast
The final glimpse of North American soil with its rocky, indented coastline.
Irish Coastline
The 'Emerald Isle' provides the first sight of Europe, often appearing remarkably green.
Rhine River Valley
Beautiful views of the winding Rhine and German vineyards during the descent into Frankfurt.
The right side is ideal for sunrise enthusiasts, as the sun will rise over the Atlantic on this side of the aircraft. For the best views of Frankfurt's skyline and the Rhine during landing, sit on the right side, as many approach patterns bank south of the city. Use a window shade during the mid-flight sunrise to avoid waking other passengers.
Book Hotels in FrankfurtDistance: 6,971 km (4,332 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 12 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Route Type: International
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