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ORD → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side provides spectacular vistas of the Alaskan wilderness, the Bering Strait, and the dramatic volcanic peaks of the Kamchatka Peninsula while minimizing direct sun glare on this westbound journey.
Great Slave Lake
One of the largest and deepest lakes in North America, often frozen into a stunning white expanse.
Alaskan Ranges
Aerial perspectives of snow-capped peaks and massive glaciers as you cross the Yukon and Alaska.
Bering Strait
The narrow geographic bottleneck between the American and Asian continents, crossing the International Date Line.
Kamchatka Volcanoes
Dramatic, conical volcanic peaks of Russia's Far East, many of which are active and vent steam.
Korean Peninsula
Views of the mountainous terrain and coastal inlets of North and South Korea before crossing the Yellow Sea.
This is the 'shady' side of the plane, offering better visibility for photography without glare. Use a flight tracker to time your crossing of the Bering Strait, which usually occurs 7-8 hours into the flight. In winter, the polar twilight provides a unique 'blue hour' effect that lasts for several hours.
Chicago Skyline
Unmatched views of the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan shoreline immediately after takeoff from ORD.
Boreal Forests
The dense green carpet of the Canadian Shield and the thousands of lakes in Northern Manitoba.
Sea of Okhotsk
Vast maritime views and potential sea ice formations during the winter months off the Russian coast.
Japanese Archipelago
Distant views of the northern Japanese islands depending on the southern deviation of the flight path.
Yangtze River Delta
Massive shipping traffic and the intricate network of waterways as you descend into Shanghai.
The left side faces south for much of the flight, meaning it will be subject to intense direct sunlight and cabin heat. Keep your window shade down during the mid-flight hours to stay cool, but open it during departure for a great look at the Chicago Loop if the wind is right.
Distance: 11,334 km (7,043 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 13 hrs 20 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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