The left side wins because the great-circle route curves far enough north that southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjord coastline become visible during cruise, a genuinely dramatic feature absent from the right side's view of open Labrador Sea and North Atlantic water. Combined with the Amsterdam skyline on final approach, the left side offers more variety and landmark density across the full flight.
Flight Path
Northern Ontario lake country, Hudson Strait/Labrador Sea, southern Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords, open North Atlantic approaching the Faroe Islands and Scotland before the North Sea crossing to the Netherlands
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTDeparting MSP, the climb-out and turn onto the northeast heading typically swings the aircraft back over the Twin Cities, putting downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River bends on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl and farmland with no distinguishing features.
Landing at AMS
LEFTOn approach into Schiphol from the north, the flight path passes just west of Amsterdam before turning to land on a southbound runway, putting the city's canal rings and the IJ waterfront on the left side of the aircraft. The right side instead faces the flatter North Sea coastline and dunes, which is less visually distinctive.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Amsterdam. The left side wins because the great-circle route curves far enough north that southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjord coastline become visible during cruise, a genuinely dramatic feature absent from the right side's view of open Labrador Sea and North Atlantic water. Combined with the Amsterdam skyline on final approach, the left side offers more variety and landmark density across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSP, the climb-out and turn onto the northeast heading typically swings the aircraft back over the Twin Cities, putting downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River bends on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl and farmland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Downtown Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, Minnehaha Creek/lakes district, St. Paul cathedral area.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Schiphol from the north, the flight path passes just west of Amsterdam before turning to land on a southbound runway, putting the city's canal rings and the IJ waterfront on the left side of the aircraft. The right side instead faces the flatter North Sea coastline and dunes, which is less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring and city center, IJ river/harbor, patchwork Dutch polders with windmills, IJsselmeer in the distance.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Schiphol (AMS) takes 7h 45m.
What does the Minneapolis to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
Northern Ontario lake country, Hudson Strait/Labrador Sea, southern Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords, open North Atlantic approaching the Faroe Islands and Scotland before the North Sea crossing to the Netherlands