MSP

Best window seat at Minneapolis St Paul International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River, Lake Nokomis and Lake Harriet

LandingRIGHT

Mall of America, Minnesota River valley, Bloomington suburbs

🛫 Taking Off from Minneapolis (MSP)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on runway 30L, the plane climbs out heading northwest, putting downtown Minneapolis and its chain of lakes off to the right side of the aircraft. You'll get a good look at the Mississippi River, the Minneapolis skyline, and lakes like Nokomis and Harriet as the plane gains altitude.
Look forMinneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River, Lake Nokomis and Lake Harriet, Mall of America (visible shortly after takeoff near the airport)
Left window seat view during takeoff from Minneapolis (MSP) — Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River, Lake Nokomis and Lake Harriet, Mall of America (visible shortly after takeoff near the airport)Left Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Minneapolis (MSP) — Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River, Lake Nokomis and Lake Harriet, Mall of America (visible shortly after takeoff near the airport)Right Side

🛬 Landing at Minneapolis (MSP)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 12R means you're flying southeast on final approach, so the right side of the plane faces southwest. That gives you a good look at the Minnesota River valley and the Mall of America complex just south of the airport as you descend.
Look forMall of America, Minnesota River valley, Bloomington suburbs, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge wetlands
Left window seat view during landing at Minneapolis (MSP) — Mall of America, Minnesota River valley, Bloomington suburbs, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge wetlandsLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Minneapolis (MSP) — Mall of America, Minnesota River valley, Bloomington suburbs, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge wetlandsRight Side
MinneapolisPhoto: Andrew Patrick Photo

MSP is a large hub airport with two main terminals—Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey)—and is known for efficient connections and a skyway/tram system linking concourses. It serves as a major Delta Air Lines hub and the headquarters hub for Sun Country Airlines.

⛰️ Elevation843 ft
🛫 Runways4 (04/22, 12R/30L, 12L/30R, 17/35)
✈️ HubDelta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines
📍 NearbySTC 62 miRST 76 miEAU 85 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?

At Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River, Lake Nokomis and Lake Harriet, Mall of America (visible shortly after takeoff near the airport).

What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?

When taking off from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 30L, the plane climbs out heading northwest, putting downtown Minneapolis and its chain of lakes off to the right side of the aircraft. You'll get a good look at the Mississippi River, the Minneapolis skyline, and lakes like Nokomis and Harriet as the plane gains altitude. Notable sights include: Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River, Lake Nokomis and Lake Harriet, Mall of America (visible shortly after takeoff near the airport).

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. Landing on runway 12R means you're flying southeast on final approach, so the right side of the plane faces southwest. That gives you a good look at the Minnesota River valley and the Mall of America complex just south of the airport as you descend. Notable sights include: Mall of America, Minnesota River valley, Bloomington suburbs, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge wetlands.

What factors affect the best window seat at Minneapolis St Paul International?

The best window seat at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Minneapolis (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.