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. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise at 35,000 feet there is limited differentiation, but the left side also offers better views of the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and the Scottish Highlands on descent into European airspace.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. MSP typically departs northeast or east on runways 12L/12R or 17, meaning a left-side seat gives you views back over the Minneapolis-St Paul metro, the Mississippi River confluence, and the chain of lakes in Minneapolis. The city grid and downtown skyline are clearly visible during the climbing turn. Notable sights include: Mississippi River and Minnesota River confluence at Fort Snelling, downtown Minneapolis skyline, Chain of Lakes (Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet), St Paul Cathedral dome.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol approaches are predominantly from the east or northeast on runways 18R, 18C, or 36C/36R depending on wind. On a typical westbound approach over the Netherlands, left-side seats look south over the Dutch polder landscape, the Randstad cities, and the North Sea coast. You get clear views of Rotterdam's port, the Rhine-Maas delta, and the distinctive rectilinear canal grid of South Holland. Notable sights include: Rotterdam Europoort and harbor complex, Rhine-Maas river delta, Dutch polder canal grid of South Holland, North Sea coastline with barrier dunes.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Schiphol (AMS) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What does the Minneapolis to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over Lake Superior and the Upper Great Lakes, then over Quebec and Labrador, crosses the Labrador Sea, passes south of Greenland where the ice cap edge may be visible, crosses Iceland's airspace or just south of it, then tracks over the North Sea passing Scotland and the Frisian Islands before descending into the Netherlands. The Greenland ice sheet southern tip and the Scottish coastline are the most visually dramatic midpoint features.