The right side wins narrowly because the LAX departure offers a dramatic, close-up view of the San Gabriel Mountains and desert transition, a rare terrain contrast for this route, while the left side's advantage is confined mainly to the final few minutes of approach into Minneapolis.
Flight Path
Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, Wasatch Range foothills, high plains of Wyoming and Nebraska, and the flat farmland of the Great Plains leading into Minnesota
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTAfter LAX's westbound departure over the Pacific, aircraft heading toward Minneapolis bank right and climb northeast across the San Fernando Valley, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the edge of the Mojave Desert as the plane gains altitude. Left-side passengers mostly see the receding coastline and South Bay before the turn.
Landing at MSP
LEFTOn approach to MSP's northwest-facing runways (30L/30R), arriving aircraft from the west typically curve south of the Twin Cities before turning onto final, putting downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River, and the region's many lakes on the left side. Right-side passengers mostly see farmland and suburban rooftops with fewer distinct landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. The right side wins narrowly because the LAX departure offers a dramatic, close-up view of the San Gabriel Mountains and desert transition, a rare terrain contrast for this route, while the left side's advantage is confined mainly to the final few minutes of approach into Minneapolis.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. After LAX's westbound departure over the Pacific, aircraft heading toward Minneapolis bank right and climb northeast across the San Fernando Valley, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the edge of the Mojave Desert as the plane gains altitude. Left-side passengers mostly see the receding coastline and South Bay before the turn. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Angeles National Forest, Mojave Desert 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's northwest-facing runways (30L/30R), arriving aircraft from the west typically curve south of the Twin Cities before turning onto final, putting downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River, and the region's many lakes on the left side. Right-side passengers mostly see farmland and suburban rooftops with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, Bde Maka Ska and Twin Cities lakes, St. Paul riverfront.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Minneapolis?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes 3h 25m.
What does the Los Angeles to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, Wasatch Range foothills, high plains of Wyoming and Nebraska, and the flat farmland of the Great Plains leading into Minnesota