Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. The right side wins overall. The takeoff view from the right is dramatically superior — the Santa Monica Mountains, coastal panorama, and LA basin are genuinely spectacular. The landing advantage on the left is real but modest. For the cruise portion heading northeast, the right side also picks up better views of the Rockies foothills over Colorado and Wyoming, and the Missouri River valley as you descend into the upper Midwest.

During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. Right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, then the Santa Monica Mountains and the sprawl of the San Fernando Valley as the aircraft banks northeast. Left side faces south toward Palos Verdes and open ocean. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley grid, Griffith Observatory area on the Hollywood Hills.

When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. MSP typically lands on runways 12L/12R or 17 approaching from the northwest or north. On approach from the northwest, the left side faces southeast toward downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River gorge, and the Chain of Lakes in south Minneapolis. Right side looks toward suburban St. Paul and open farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River gorge, Chain of Lakes (Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet), downtown St. Paul skyline in the distance.

The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes.

After departing LA, the route crosses the Mojave Desert with its dry lake beds and Joshua Tree terrain visible below. Over Nevada and Utah, the Great Basin's parallel mountain ranges and salt flats are visible, including the Bonneville Salt Flats area near Salt Lake City. Crossing into Wyoming and Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Front Range appears as a dramatic wall to the south if routing goes north of Denver. Over Nebraska and South Dakota, the terrain flattens into the Great Plains with the Missouri River visible as a wide, meandering brown ribbon. Minnesota entry brings the Minnesota River valley and the beginning of the lake-dotted glacial landscape of the upper Midwest.