The left side wins because it captures the Minneapolis skyline at departure and, more importantly, the dramatic mountain scenery of the Alaska Range and Yukon highlands during the cruise and arrival phases. The right side stays mostly over flat Canadian boreal forest and lakes with little topographic relief.
Flown MSP to FAI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Fairbanks is 2,460 miles (3,959 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Boreal forest, countless lakes of the Canadian Shield across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the rising foothills of the Mackenzie and Selwyn Mountains in the Yukon before descending toward the Alaska Range.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
LEFTDeparting MSP toward the northwest, the left side offers a glimpse of the Minneapolis downtown skyline and the Mississippi River bends before the plane climbs over the flat farmland of central Minnesota. The right side mostly shows suburban St. Paul and open plains with less definition.
Landing at FAI
LEFTOn approach into Fairbanks, the descent path typically swings in from the south, putting the snow-capped Alaska Range—including Denali on clear days—on the left side of the aircraft. The Tanana River valley and forested hills also unfold below as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Fairbanks International (FAI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Fairbanks. The left side wins because it captures the Minneapolis skyline at departure and, more importantly, the dramatic mountain scenery of the Alaska Range and Yukon highlands during the cruise and arrival phases. The right side stays mostly over flat Canadian boreal forest and lakes with little topographic relief.
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. Departing MSP toward the northwest, the left side offers a glimpse of the Minneapolis downtown skyline and the Mississippi River bends before the plane climbs over the flat farmland of central Minnesota. The right side mostly shows suburban St. Paul and open plains with less definition. Notable sights include: Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, Twin Cities suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Fairbanks International in Fairbanks?
When landing at Fairbanks International (FAI), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Fairbanks, the descent path typically swings in from the south, putting the snow-capped Alaska Range—including Denali on clear days—on the left side of the aircraft. The Tanana River valley and forested hills also unfold below as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Alaska Range, Denali (on clear days), Tanana River, Fairbanks valley.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Fairbanks?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Fairbanks International (FAI) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,460 miles (3,959 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Fairbanks flight path pass over?
Boreal forest, countless lakes of the Canadian Shield across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the rising foothills of the Mackenzie and Selwyn Mountains in the Yukon before descending toward the Alaska Range.