The brief but unmistakable Manhattan skyline view during the departure turn outweighs the milder Twin Cities river view on arrival, since the rest of the route is flat Midwestern farmland with little variation on either side.
Flown LGA to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Minneapolis is 1,018 miles (1,638 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The route crosses northern Pennsylvania, the southern shore of Lake Erie near Cleveland, and the farmland of southern Michigan and Wisconsin before descending into the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLGA departures toward the west typically climb out to the northeast before banking left to head toward Minnesota, swinging the aircraft over the East River with Manhattan's skyline directly in view on the left side. This gives a brief but iconic glimpse of the city before the turn onto the westbound route.
Landing at MSP
RIGHTOn approach to MSP's northwest-facing runways, the flight path crosses the Minnesota River valley and the Mississippi River bend near Fort Snelling before touchdown, putting downtown Minneapolis and the river bluffs on the right side of the aircraft. It's a modest but genuinely scenic urban river view compared to the flat farmland on the opposite side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Minneapolis. The brief but unmistakable Manhattan skyline view during the departure turn outweighs the milder Twin Cities river view on arrival, since the rest of the route is flat Midwestern farmland with little variation on either side.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA departures toward the west typically climb out to the northeast before banking left to head toward Minnesota, swinging the aircraft over the East River with Manhattan's skyline directly in view on the left side. This gives a brief but iconic glimpse of the city before the turn onto the westbound route. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Hudson River, Rikers Island.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to MSP's northwest-facing runways, the flight path crosses the Minnesota River valley and the Mississippi River bend near Fort Snelling before touchdown, putting downtown Minneapolis and the river bluffs on the right side of the aircraft. It's a modest but genuinely scenic urban river view compared to the flat farmland on the opposite side. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, downtown Minneapolis skyline, Fort Snelling State Park, Minnesota River confluence.
How long is the flight from New York to Minneapolis?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,018 miles (1,638 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
The route crosses northern Pennsylvania, the southern shore of Lake Erie near Cleveland, and the farmland of southern Michigan and Wisconsin before descending into the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.