The right side strings together the Twin Cities skyline at departure, sweeping views of the Rockies, the Wasatch Range, and the Great Salt Lake basin during cruise, and a mountain-and-skyline approach into LAX, giving it far more visual variety than the largely flat farmland and desert seen from the left.
Flight Path
Southern Wyoming plains giving way to the Rocky Mountain front range, the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake in Utah, and the arid Great Basin desert of Nevada before descending toward the Mojave and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTMSP departures in south-wind conditions climb out to the northwest before banking toward the southwest course line, swinging the Minneapolis-St Paul skyline and the Mississippi River confluence into view on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows flat suburban grids and farmland with no comparable landmark.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTIn LAX's standard west-flow arrival, planes descend from the east and pass north of downtown Los Angeles before turning onto final approach, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the LA skyline on the right side of the cabin. The left side during this phase mostly shows the flatter South Bay and industrial harbor area.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. The right side strings together the Twin Cities skyline at departure, sweeping views of the Rockies, the Wasatch Range, and the Great Salt Lake basin during cruise, and a mountain-and-skyline approach into LAX, giving it far more visual variety than the largely flat farmland and desert seen from the left.
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. MSP departures in south-wind conditions climb out to the northwest before banking toward the southwest course line, swinging the Minneapolis-St Paul skyline and the Mississippi River confluence into view on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows flat suburban grids and farmland with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Downtown Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, St. Paul cathedral district, Minnesota River valley.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. In LAX's standard west-flow arrival, planes descend from the east and pass north of downtown Los Angeles before turning onto final approach, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the LA skyline on the right side of the cabin. The left side during this phase mostly shows the flatter South Bay and industrial harbor area. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Los Angeles?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 3h 45m.
What does the Minneapolis to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Southern Wyoming plains giving way to the Rocky Mountain front range, the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake in Utah, and the arid Great Basin desert of Nevada before descending toward the Mojave and the San Gabriel Mountains.