About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to Minneapolis. While takeoff offers Lake Ontario views from the left, the landing approach provides more dramatic and varied scenery with river confluences and urban landscape. Right seats capture the most visually interesting portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
During takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River immediately after departure. Westbound flights climb over the lake before turning inland, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the water body and the Niagara Escarpment's northern edge. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Niagara River, Niagara Escarpment (northern face), Greater Toronto Area (visible on horizon to northeast).
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent into Minneapolis-St. Paul. Approaching from the east, right-side passengers see the Minnesota River valley, the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area spread across the landscape. Notable sights include: Minnesota River valley, Mississippi River, Minneapolis-St. Paul urban area, Chain of Lakes (visible southwest of downtown Minneapolis).
How long is the flight from Buffalo to Minneapolis?
The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Buffalo to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central New York and Pennsylvania, passing over the Finger Lakes region (visible as north-south oriented water bodies), then transitions into Ohio and Indiana. The Great Lakes shoreline recedes behind; passengers see a mix of forested terrain, agricultural land, and scattered cities. The terrain gradually flattens as the flight moves westward into the Upper Midwest, with fewer dramatic elevation changes visible from cruise altitude.