The right side wins on the strength of the Manhattan skyline and Jamaica Bay approach into JFK, which outweighs the more modest St. Paul glimpse and open farmland seen from the left side during takeoff and cruise.
Flight Path
Route crosses western Wisconsin farmland, passes near Lake Michigan's western shore around Milwaukee, continues over southern Michigan and the western basin of Lake Erie, then crosses the ridge-and-valley Appalachian terrain of northern Pennsylvania near the Poconos before descending into the New York City area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
LEFTDeparting on MSP's southeast-facing runway puts downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River bluffs off the left side as the plane climbs, giving a brief but genuine skyline and river view before the flat farmland of western Wisconsin takes over.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTOn the typical final approach into JFK's 22L/22R runways, the aircraft turns southwest over Jamaica Bay, putting the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River squarely on the right side of the cabin during the last minutes of descent — the single best view of the whole trip.
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 John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to New York. The right side wins on the strength of the Manhattan skyline and Jamaica Bay approach into JFK, which outweighs the more modest St. Paul glimpse and open farmland seen from the left side during takeoff and cruise.
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 on MSP's southeast-facing runway puts downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River bluffs off the left side as the plane climbs, giving a brief but genuine skyline and river view before the flat farmland of western Wisconsin takes over. Notable sights include: Downtown St. Paul skyline, Mississippi River bends, Fort Snelling confluence area, Twin Cities lakes district in the distance.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical final approach into JFK's 22L/22R runways, the aircraft turns southwest over Jamaica Bay, putting the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River squarely on the right side of the cabin during the last minutes of descent — the single best view of the whole trip. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (One World Trade Center, Empire State Building), Hudson River, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay wetlands.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to New York?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 2h 45m.
What does the Minneapolis to New York flight path pass over?
Route crosses western Wisconsin farmland, passes near Lake Michigan's western shore around Milwaukee, continues over southern Michigan and the western basin of Lake Erie, then crosses the ridge-and-valley Appalachian terrain of northern Pennsylvania near the Poconos before descending into the New York City area.