Right-side seats offer the most consistent scenic value across the entire flight. Takeoff provides dramatic views of the Arauca River and Andean foothills, and the northbound routing over the central United States offers views of major river valleys, the Great Lakes region, and Minnesota's landscape during descent.
Flown AUC to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Arauca to Minneapolis is 2,941 miles (4,732 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Caribbean coast of Colombia/Venezuela (visible over water if routed northeast), then proceeds north over the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River valley (major landmark), the Ohio River system, and the Great Lakes region. The aircraft will pass west of or over Lake Michigan depending on exact routing, then descend into the Minnesota River valley approaching MSP from the south or southeast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUC
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Arauca River valley and the transition from lowland plains toward the Andes foothills as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The terrain rises progressively, revealing the eastern cordillera's approach.
Landing at MSP
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the final approach into Minneapolis. The aircraft descends over the Minnesota River valley and urban sprawl, with Lake Calhoun, the Mississippi River, and downtown Minneapolis visible to the left as the plane banks toward MSP's runways (which run north-south).
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santiago Perez (AUC) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Arauca to Minneapolis. Right-side seats offer the most consistent scenic value across the entire flight. Takeoff provides dramatic views of the Arauca River and Andean foothills, and the northbound routing over the central United States offers views of major river valleys, the Great Lakes region, and Minnesota's landscape during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Santiago Perez in Arauca?
During takeoff from Santiago Perez (AUC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Arauca River valley and the transition from lowland plains toward the Andes foothills as the aircraft climbs northwestward. The terrain rises progressively, revealing the eastern cordillera's approach. Notable sights include: Arauca River (flowing southeast below), Eastern Cordillera foothills (distant, rising to the west), Llanos plains (flat grasslands extending south and east), scattered settlements along river valleys.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the final approach into Minneapolis. The aircraft descends over the Minnesota River valley and urban sprawl, with Lake Calhoun, the Mississippi River, and downtown Minneapolis visible to the left as the plane banks toward MSP's runways (which run north-south). Notable sights include: Mississippi River (major waterway running north-south through the city), Minnesota River (confluence visible west of downtown), Lake Calhoun and Chain of Lakes (urban water features), downtown Minneapolis skyline (visible to the left during descent).
How long is the flight from Arauca to Minneapolis?
The flight from Santiago Perez (AUC) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,941 miles (4,732 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Arauca to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caribbean coast of Colombia/Venezuela (visible over water if routed northeast), then proceeds north over the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River valley (major landmark), the Ohio River system, and the Great Lakes region. The aircraft will pass west of or over Lake Michigan depending on exact routing, then descend into the Minnesota River valley approaching MSP from the south or southeast.