London to Minneapolis flight pathLHRMSP

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Flight time8h 30m
Distance4,004
Heading303° → 227°
Best side
LeftMostly left

The left side wins overall. While the right side has the better London departure view, the left side delivers the more dramatic and sustained experience: Greenland's ice sheet and fjords on the left during the North Atlantic crossing, and the Minneapolis arrival view with the river and downtown. The Greenland coast alone makes left the stronger choice for the full journey.

Takeoff · LHRRIGHTRiver Thames bends through west London, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the southwest, Wembley Stadium arch visible to the north
Landing · MSPLEFTDowntown Minneapolis skyline with IDS Center and US Bank Stadium, Mississippi River gorge and Ford Bridge area, Chain of Lakes in south Minneapolis

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The route tracks northwest over Scotland and the Hebrides, then crosses the North Atlantic on a great circle arc passing south of Iceland and over the southern tip of Greenland, where the Greenland ice sheet and coastal fjords are visible. The route then crosses Labrador and Quebec in Canada, passing over the boreal forest and Canadian Shield with its thousands of lakes, before descending over Lake Superior's western end and into Minnesota.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (right side) — River Thames bends through west London, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the southwest, Wembley Stadium arch visible to the north, Canary Wharf cluster on the distant eastern horizon

Takeoff from LHR

RIGHT

Heathrow departures heading west on runway 27L/27R give the right side a clear view over central London as the aircraft banks northward. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city, the dense urban grid of west London, and on clear days the City of London skyline to the east.

River Thames bends through west LondonWindsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the southwestWembley Stadium arch visible to the northCanary Wharf cluster on the distant eastern horizon
Aerial window seat view during landing at Minneapolis (left side) — Downtown Minneapolis skyline with IDS Center and US Bank Stadium, Mississippi River gorge and Ford Bridge area, Chain of Lakes (Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet) in south Minneapolis, Minnesota River confluence with the Mississippi near the airport

Landing at MSP

LEFT

MSP typically uses runways 12L/12R or 17 for arrivals from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast. The left side gets the best view of downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River gorge, and the chain of lakes in south Minneapolis during the descent.

Downtown Minneapolis skyline with IDS Center and US Bank StadiumMississippi River gorge and Ford Bridge areaChain of Lakes in south MinneapolisMinnesota River confluence with the Mississippi near the airport

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Minneapolis. The left side wins overall. While the right side has the better London departure view, the left side delivers the more dramatic and sustained experience: Greenland's ice sheet and fjords on the left during the North Atlantic crossing, and the Minneapolis arrival view with the river and downtown. The Greenland coast alone makes left the stronger choice for the full journey.

What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?

During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow departures heading west on runway 27L/27R give the right side a clear view over central London as the aircraft banks northward. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city, the dense urban grid of west London, and on clear days the City of London skyline to the east. Notable sights include: River Thames bends through west London, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the southwest, Wembley Stadium arch visible to the north, Canary Wharf cluster on the distant eastern horizon.

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 uses runways 12L/12R or 17 for arrivals from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast. The left side gets the best view of downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River gorge, and the chain of lakes in south Minneapolis during the descent. Notable sights include: Downtown Minneapolis skyline with IDS Center and US Bank Stadium, Mississippi River gorge and Ford Bridge area, Chain of Lakes (Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet) in south Minneapolis, Minnesota River confluence with the Mississippi near the airport.

How long is the flight from London to Minneapolis?

The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.

What does the London to Minneapolis flight path pass over?

The route tracks northwest over Scotland and the Hebrides, then crosses the North Atlantic on a great circle arc passing south of Iceland and over the southern tip of Greenland, where the Greenland ice sheet and coastal fjords are visible. The route then crosses Labrador and Quebec in Canada, passing over the boreal forest and Canadian Shield with its thousands of lakes, before descending over Lake Superior's western end and into Minnesota.