The right side wins overall because it captures both the scenic Boise foothills departure and, during cruise, passes closer to the pine-covered ridges of eastern Idaho and Wyoming's Bighorn foothills before the terrain flattens into the plains — giving more topographic variety than the left side, which mostly overlooks flat farmland for most of the flight.
Flown BOI to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boise to Minneapolis is 1,139 miles (1,833 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Snake River Plain, foothills of the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming, and the rolling grasslands of South Dakota near the Black Hills
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOI
RIGHTDeparting on runway 28 climbs northwest before turning right toward Minneapolis, and that turn puts the Boise foothills and the forested Boise Front squarely on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the ridgeline above the city before the plane levels out over the Snake River Plain.
Landing at MSP
LEFTArrivals into MSP from the west typically join a left downwind before turning final for runway 12, which places the Minneapolis skyline and the bend of the Mississippi River on the left side of the cabin during the descent. The final turn also reveals the many small lakes scattered through the metro area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boise Air Terminal (BOI) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boise to Minneapolis. The right side wins overall because it captures both the scenic Boise foothills departure and, during cruise, passes closer to the pine-covered ridges of eastern Idaho and Wyoming's Bighorn foothills before the terrain flattens into the plains — giving more topographic variety than the left side, which mostly overlooks flat farmland for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Boise Air Terminal in Boise?
During takeoff from Boise Air Terminal (BOI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 28 climbs northwest before turning right toward Minneapolis, and that turn puts the Boise foothills and the forested Boise Front squarely on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the ridgeline above the city before the plane levels out over the Snake River Plain. Notable sights include: Boise Foothills, Boise River valley, Table Rock, Downtown Boise.
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. Arrivals into MSP from the west typically join a left downwind before turning final for runway 12, which places the Minneapolis skyline and the bend of the Mississippi River on the left side of the cabin during the descent. The final turn also reveals the many small lakes scattered through the metro area. Notable sights include: Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River bend, Lake Nokomis, Twin Cities lake district.
How long is the flight from Boise to Minneapolis?
The flight from Boise Air Terminal (BOI) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,139 miles (1,833 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boise to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Snake River Plain, foothills of the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming, and the rolling grasslands of South Dakota near the Black Hills