The takeoff view of the Northern Rockies and Mission Mountains from Missoula is more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach into the Twin Cities, which is primarily suburban and urban sprawl. The westbound climb offers the superior scenic experience.
Flown MSO to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Missoula to Minneapolis is 1,010 miles (1,626 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
After climbing out of the Missoula valley, the flight path typically heads east-northeast across Montana. Notable features along the route include the Continental Divide (visible as a ridge line roughly 40-50 miles east of Missoula), the Great Plains beginning around central Montana near Great Falls, and the transition from mountainous terrain to agricultural prairie. The flight cruises over relatively featureless high plains for the majority of the journey across Montana and into North Dakota and Minnesota, with occasional river valleys (Missouri River drainage) visible but not particularly distinctive from altitude. The approach into Minneapolis brings views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities metropolitan area sprawl.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSO
LEFTLeft side captures the Northern Rocky Mountains immediately west and northwest of Missoula, including the Mission Mountains and Flathead National Forest. Right side faces toward lower terrain and the Missoula Valley floor.
Landing at MSP
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Minnesota River valley and the urban sprawl of the Twin Cities metro area as you descend into MSP. Left side faces toward agricultural farmland and less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Missoula to Minneapolis. The takeoff view of the Northern Rockies and Mission Mountains from Missoula is more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach into the Twin Cities, which is primarily suburban and urban sprawl. The westbound climb offers the superior scenic experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Missoula Montana Airport in Missoula?
During takeoff from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Northern Rocky Mountains immediately west and northwest of Missoula, including the Mission Mountains and Flathead National Forest. Right side faces toward lower terrain and the Missoula Valley floor. Notable sights include: Mission Mountains (northwest), Flathead National Forest ridgelines, Missoula Valley floor, Clark Fork River valley.
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. Right side offers views of the Minnesota River valley and the urban sprawl of the Twin Cities metro area as you descend into MSP. Left side faces toward agricultural farmland and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Minnesota River valley, Minneapolis-St. Paul urban area, Mississippi River confluence, suburban sprawl east of the metro.
How long is the flight from Missoula to Minneapolis?
The flight from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,010 miles (1,626 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Missoula to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
After climbing out of the Missoula valley, the flight path typically heads east-northeast across Montana. Notable features along the route include the Continental Divide (visible as a ridge line roughly 40-50 miles east of Missoula), the Great Plains beginning around central Montana near Great Falls, and the transition from mountainous terrain to agricultural prairie. The flight cruises over relatively featureless high plains for the majority of the journey across Montana and into North Dakota and Minnesota, with occasional river valleys (Missouri River drainage) visible but not particularly distinctive from altitude. The approach into Minneapolis brings views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities metropolitan area sprawl.