While takeoff favors the right for Des Moines city views, the landing approach over the Øresund Strait and Swedish coast is the more dramatic and geographically distinctive segment of this transatlantic flight. Left seats capture the water crossing and bridge approach that define this route's final phase.
Flown DSM to CPH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Des Moines to Copenhagen is 4,465 miles (7,186 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at roughly 55°N latitude. Notable geographic features along the route include: the Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland (if visible during departure climb), the Atlantic Ocean with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge far below, the southern tip of Greenland and Davis Strait region (far north of typical routing), Iceland's vicinity (depending on exact track), and the Norwegian Sea. The actual great-circle route passes north of the British Isles, with the Scottish Highlands and North Sea visible during the final descent phase into European airspace. Typical cruise altitude (35,000-37,000 feet) means ocean surface details are not visible, but weather systems, cloud formations, and the curvature of Earth become apparent on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DSM
RIGHTDes Moines typically departs eastbound (Runways 13L/13R or 31L/31R depending on wind). Right-side seats face north initially, giving views of the Des Moines River valley and the city's downtown skyline. Left seats would see farmland and less distinctive terrain.
Landing at CPH
LEFTCopenhagen approaches typically use Runways 04L/04R (eastbound) or 22L/22R (westbound). Most transatlantic arrivals use the eastbound approach. Left-side seats descending eastbound face north, providing views of the Øresund Strait, Swedish coast, and the approach path over water. Right seats see only Danish farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Des Moines International (DSM) to Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Des Moines to Copenhagen. While takeoff favors the right for Des Moines city views, the landing approach over the Øresund Strait and Swedish coast is the more dramatic and geographically distinctive segment of this transatlantic flight. Left seats capture the water crossing and bridge approach that define this route's final phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Des Moines International in Des Moines?
During takeoff from Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Des Moines typically departs eastbound (Runways 13L/13R or 31L/31R depending on wind). Right-side seats face north initially, giving views of the Des Moines River valley and the city's downtown skyline. Left seats would see farmland and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Des Moines downtown skyline, Des Moines River valley, Ledges State Park (30 miles northeast), Iowa farmland grid pattern.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Copenhagen approaches typically use Runways 04L/04R (eastbound) or 22L/22R (westbound). Most transatlantic arrivals use the eastbound approach. Left-side seats descending eastbound face north, providing views of the Øresund Strait, Swedish coast, and the approach path over water. Right seats see only Danish farmland. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait (the water body between Denmark and Sweden), Swedish coastline and Scania region, Øresund Bridge (the iconic rail/road bridge), Copenhagen airport runways and surrounding flat terrain.
How long is the flight from Des Moines to Copenhagen?
The flight from Des Moines International (DSM) to Kastrup (CPH) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,465 miles (7,186 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Des Moines to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at roughly 55°N latitude. Notable geographic features along the route include: the Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland (if visible during departure climb), the Atlantic Ocean with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge far below, the southern tip of Greenland and Davis Strait region (far north of typical routing), Iceland's vicinity (depending on exact track), and the Norwegian Sea. The actual great-circle route passes north of the British Isles, with the Scottish Highlands and North Sea visible during the final descent phase into European airspace. Typical cruise altitude (35,000-37,000 feet) means ocean surface details are not visible, but weather systems, cloud formations, and the curvature of Earth become apparent on clear days.