While the MSP departure offers a pleasant but modest look at the Twin Cities, the LGA arrival delivers one of the most iconic skyline views in commercial aviation, with Manhattan and the East River filling the right-side window during final approach.
Flown MSP to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to New York is 1,018 miles (1,638 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Western Lake Erie basin near Toledo, Ohio farmland, and the ridge lines of the Pocono Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania as the flight nears the New York area
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
LEFTDepartures from MSP typically climb out to the southeast, putting downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with the Mississippi River's bend through the Twin Cities, off the left side of the aircraft as it banks toward its eastbound route. The right side shows mostly flat farmland with little visual interest.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTOn approach into LGA from the west, the flight path curves south of Manhattan before turning north to line up on final, putting the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and Rikers Island squarely on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in the country, far outclassing the residential Queens rooftops visible on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to New York. While the MSP departure offers a pleasant but modest look at the Twin Cities, the LGA arrival delivers one of the most iconic skyline views in commercial aviation, with Manhattan and the East River filling the right-side window during final approach.
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. Departures from MSP typically climb out to the southeast, putting downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with the Mississippi River's bend through the Twin Cities, off the left side of the aircraft as it banks toward its eastbound route. The right side shows mostly flat farmland with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Minneapolis skyline (IDS Center), Mississippi River, St. Paul downtown, Twin Cities lakes district.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into LGA from the west, the flight path curves south of Manhattan before turning north to line up on final, putting the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and Rikers Island squarely on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in the country, far outclassing the residential Queens rooftops visible on the left. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Rikers Island, Long Island Sound.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to New York?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,018 miles (1,638 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to New York flight path pass over?
Western Lake Erie basin near Toledo, Ohio farmland, and the ridge lines of the Pocono Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania as the flight nears the New York area