Both sides are unremarkable over flat Midwestern terrain for most of the flight, but the left side edges ahead thanks to the Minnesota and Mississippi River valleys and a skyline glimpse during the MSP approach.
Flown IAH to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Minneapolis is 1,036 miles (1,667 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of Missouri and Iowa, with the Missouri River briefly visible below during cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTDeparting IAH northbound, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Houston's northern suburbs and the flat patchwork of bayous and reservoirs like Lake Houston before leveling into cruise. Left side shows similar flat suburban sprawl with less definition.
Landing at MSP
LEFTOn approach to MSP from the south, the left side gives passengers a view of the Minnesota River valley and the Mississippi River bluffs near the airport, plus glimpses of downtown Minneapolis skyline before landing. The right side mostly shows flat farmland with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Minneapolis. Both sides are unremarkable over flat Midwestern terrain for most of the flight, but the left side edges ahead thanks to the Minnesota and Mississippi River valleys and a skyline glimpse during the MSP approach.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IAH northbound, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Houston's northern suburbs and the flat patchwork of bayous and reservoirs like Lake Houston before leveling into cruise. Left side shows similar flat suburban sprawl with less definition. Notable sights include: Lake Houston, Houston suburban grid, Sam Houston National Forest fringe.
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. On approach to MSP from the south, the left side gives passengers a view of the Minnesota River valley and the Mississippi River bluffs near the airport, plus glimpses of downtown Minneapolis skyline before landing. The right side mostly shows flat farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Minnesota River valley, Mississippi River bluffs, Minneapolis downtown skyline, Fort Snelling confluence area.
How long is the flight from Houston to Minneapolis?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,036 miles (1,667 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Missouri and Iowa, with the Missouri River briefly visible below during cruise.