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ORD → MAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Manchester Airport (Manchester)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for viewing the Greenland ice sheet during the day and offers the best chance to spot the Aurora Borealis during the typical overnight crossing.
Lake Michigan
Expansive views of the shoreline and deep blue waters immediately after takeoff from ORD.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Stunning vistas of massive glaciers and icebergs if the northern flight path is taken during daylight hours.
Aurora Borealis
On clear nights, the northern horizon often features dancing green lights during the transatlantic segment.
Isle of Man
Visible in the middle of the Irish Sea during the final descent phase.
Northern Lake District
Aerial views of the rugged fells and lakes of Cumbria as the plane turns toward Manchester.
Sit on the left for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Since this is an eastbound overnight flight, Greenland is most visible during the summer months when there is more daylight. Use a flight tracker to see if the path goes over the polar regions.
Chicago Skyline
Spectacular views of the Willis Tower and downtown skyscrapers depending on the departure runway.
Maritime Provinces
Aerial views of the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland before heading over the Atlantic.
Irish Coastline
The first sight of land often includes the green fields and cliffs of southern Ireland or Dublin.
Snowdonia National Park
The dramatic peaks of North Wales are often visible to the south during the approach to MAN.
Manchester City Center
A close-up view of the Beetham Tower and Old Trafford stadium if landing on runway 23R/L.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. For the best views of the Manchester city skyline, hope for a western approach. This side also typically gets a better view of the Welsh mountains and the Peak District during the descent.
Distance: 6,140 km (3,815 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 13 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)
Route Type: International
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