About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kastrup (CPH) to Des Moines International (DSM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Copenhagen to Des Moines. Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Øresund Strait and Swedish coast during departure, then the Atlantic crossing offers occasional views of Greenland's southern tip and the Labrador coast during the transatlantic portion. Left side during landing is good but less visually distinctive than the departure sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Kastrup in Copenhagen?
During takeoff from Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Øresund Strait and Swedish coastline immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwestward over water, giving right-seat passengers clear sightlines to the narrow strait separating Denmark and Sweden before the flight turns westbound over the North Sea. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait, Swedish coast near Malmö, Copenhagen city grid, Amager Island.
What can I see when landing at Des Moines International in Des Moines?
When landing at Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views during the final descent into Des Moines. The aircraft approaches from the east, and left-seat passengers see the Des Moines River valley, the city's downtown skyline, and the surrounding Iowa farmland grid pattern as the plane descends toward Runway 31. Notable sights include: Des Moines River valley, downtown Des Moines skyline, Iowa agricultural grid, Saylorville Lake to the north.
How long is the flight from Copenhagen to Des Moines?
The flight from Kastrup (CPH) to Des Moines International (DSM) takes Approximately 9.5 to 10.5 hours.
What does the Copenhagen to Des Moines flight path pass over?
The transatlantic crossing passes over the North Atlantic with no major landmarks for roughly 6 hours. Southern Greenland's glaciated terrain and fjords may be visible on clear days around the midpoint (roughly 8 hours into flight), appearing as white ice sheets and dark rocky coastline on the northern horizon. The Labrador coast becomes visible during the final 2-3 hours of flight, showing the Canadian Shield's rocky terrain and numerous lakes. The flight path crosses over Newfoundland and the Maritime provinces before turning southwest toward the American Midwest.