Left side wins both ends of the flight — the DC monuments and Potomac on departure, and the Minneapolis lakes and skyline on approach. The right side offers little of comparable interest on either end of this route.
Flown IAD to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Minneapolis is 906 miles (1,459 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
The route crosses the Allegheny Plateau in western Pennsylvania, then the flat agricultural plains of Ohio and Indiana before entering the glacially-flattened terrain of Illinois and Wisconsin. Lake Michigan may be visible on the left horizon in the Chicago area. The route passes north of Chicago, and on clear days the southern shore of Lake Michigan and the Chicago metro sprawl are visible to the left. Wisconsin's dairy farmland patchwork dominates the final third of the flight before the Twin Cities metro appears.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
LEFTDulles typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or west on 30, and when heading northwest toward Minneapolis, the left side gives you a clear view south toward Washington DC's monuments, the Potomac River, and the Virginia suburbs spreading out below. The Capitol dome and National Mall are distinctly visible on clear days during the climbing turn.
Landing at MSP
LEFTMSP typically lands on runways 12L/30R or 17/35, and approaches from the east or southeast put the left side over downtown Minneapolis and the Chain of Lakes. The Mississippi River gorge and the Minneapolis skyline are clearly visible on the left during final approach from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Minneapolis. Left side wins both ends of the flight — the DC monuments and Potomac on departure, and the Minneapolis lakes and skyline on approach. The right side offers little of comparable interest on either end of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or west on 30, and when heading northwest toward Minneapolis, the left side gives you a clear view south toward Washington DC's monuments, the Potomac River, and the Virginia suburbs spreading out below. The Capitol dome and National Mall are distinctly visible on clear days during the climbing turn. Notable sights include: Washington DC National Mall and Capitol, Potomac River, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Shenandoah Valley ridgelines to the west.
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. MSP typically lands on runways 12L/30R or 17/35, and approaches from the east or southeast put the left side over downtown Minneapolis and the Chain of Lakes. The Mississippi River gorge and the Minneapolis skyline are clearly visible on the left during final approach from the east. Notable sights include: Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River gorge, Chain of Lakes (Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet), Minnesota River confluence with the Mississippi.
How long is the flight from Washington to Minneapolis?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 906 miles (1,459 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Allegheny Plateau in western Pennsylvania, then the flat agricultural plains of Ohio and Indiana before entering the glacially-flattened terrain of Illinois and Wisconsin. Lake Michigan may be visible on the left horizon in the Chicago area. The route passes north of Chicago, and on clear days the southern shore of Lake Michigan and the Chicago metro sprawl are visible to the left. Wisconsin's dairy farmland patchwork dominates the final third of the flight before the Twin Cities metro appears.