The left side wins because the Front Range mountain backdrop during departure is the single most dramatic feature of an otherwise flat-plains route, outweighing the smaller-scale lake view at landing on the right.
Flight Path
Flat agricultural plains of Nebraska and Iowa, with the Missouri River crossing visible below along the route
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDeparting DEN, the initial climb and turn toward the northeast gives left-side passengers a receding view back toward the Front Range and the Rocky Mountain foothills west of Denver, including the distinctive line of peaks near Boulder. This is the only true mountain scenery on the whole route.
Landing at MSN
RIGHTOn approach into MSN, the descent path curves passengers over south-central Wisconsin, giving right-side views of Madison's isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona just before touchdown. It's a compact but genuinely distinctive urban-lake landmark rarely seen elsewhere on this route.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Madison. The left side wins because the Front Range mountain backdrop during departure is the single most dramatic feature of an otherwise flat-plains route, outweighing the smaller-scale lake view at landing on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DEN, the initial climb and turn toward the northeast gives left-side passengers a receding view back toward the Front Range and the Rocky Mountain foothills west of Denver, including the distinctive line of peaks near Boulder. This is the only true mountain scenery on the whole route. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Rocky Mountain peaks west of Boulder, Denver metro sprawl below.
What can I see when landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
When landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into MSN, the descent path curves passengers over south-central Wisconsin, giving right-side views of Madison's isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona just before touchdown. It's a compact but genuinely distinctive urban-lake landmark rarely seen elsewhere on this route. Notable sights include: Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Madison isthmus and downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Denver to Madison?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) takes 2h 15m.
What does the Denver to Madison flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Nebraska and Iowa, with the Missouri River crossing visible below along the route