The left side scores higher due to the dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery during takeoff from Denver, which provides significant terrain variety and visual interest. While the landing approach into Burlington offers modest river valley views, the Denver departure with the Front Range mountains visible at altitude outweighs the relatively flat Iowa farmland scenery on the right side for the overall flight experience.
Flown BJC to BRL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Burlington is 738 miles (1,188 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the High Plains of eastern Colorado and western Iowa, passing over the South Platte River drainage system, then transitions into the Des Moines River valley. Notable geographic features include the transition from Colorado's semi-arid plains to Iowa's agricultural heartland, with the Loess Hills visible in western Iowa near the Missouri River border. No major mountain ranges or dramatic terrain features exist along the cruise portion—the route is predominantly over flat to gently rolling farmland and grassland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
LEFTLeft side captures the Denver metropolitan area and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains during climb-out. The Rockies provide immediate terrain drama as the aircraft gains altitude, with visible peaks and foothills contrasting sharply against the plains to the east.
Landing at BRL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Des Moines River valley and the transition from Iowa farmland to the Burlington area. The river provides linear visual interest during descent, and the regional topography shows gentle rolling terrain characteristic of southeastern Iowa.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Burlington. The left side scores higher due to the dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery during takeoff from Denver, which provides significant terrain variety and visual interest. While the landing approach into Burlington offers modest river valley views, the Denver departure with the Front Range mountains visible at altitude outweighs the relatively flat Iowa farmland scenery on the right side for the overall flight experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
During takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Denver metropolitan area and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains during climb-out. The Rockies provide immediate terrain drama as the aircraft gains altitude, with visible peaks and foothills contrasting sharply against the plains to the east. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (including Mount Evans and Longs Peak on clear days), Denver downtown skyline, South Platte River valley.
What can I see when landing at Southeast Iowa Regional Airport in Burlington?
When landing at Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Des Moines River valley and the transition from Iowa farmland to the Burlington area. The river provides linear visual interest during descent, and the regional topography shows gentle rolling terrain characteristic of southeastern Iowa. Notable sights include: Des Moines River valley, Burlington city and Mississippi River bluffs, Iowa agricultural landscape with field patterns.
How long is the flight from Denver to Burlington?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 738 miles (1,188 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Burlington flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the High Plains of eastern Colorado and western Iowa, passing over the South Platte River drainage system, then transitions into the Des Moines River valley. Notable geographic features include the transition from Colorado's semi-arid plains to Iowa's agricultural heartland, with the Loess Hills visible in western Iowa near the Missouri River border. No major mountain ranges or dramatic terrain features exist along the cruise portion—the route is predominantly over flat to gently rolling farmland and grassland.