The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic departure over the Twin Cities and Mississippi River, plus a chance to glimpse Florida's lake-studded landscape and distant Atlantic coast on arrival, while the right side mostly overlooks flat, featureless farmland for the bulk of the route.
Flown MSP to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Orlando is 1,311 miles (2,110 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
The route crosses the flat agricultural plains of Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas, with the Mississippi River visible early in the flight and low, rolling foothills of the Ozarks briefly visible before the terrain flattens again over Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
LEFTDeparting MSP to the southeast, the left side offers a good look back at the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River gorge as the aircraft climbs over the Twin Cities before leveling onto its southbound course.
Landing at MCO
LEFTOn approach into MCO, the left side faces east toward central Florida's lake district, and on a clear day passengers can pick out the distant Atlantic coastline and Cape Canaveral area beyond the patchwork of lakes and citrus groves.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Orlando. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic departure over the Twin Cities and Mississippi River, plus a chance to glimpse Florida's lake-studded landscape and distant Atlantic coast on arrival, while the right side mostly overlooks flat, featureless farmland for the bulk of the route.
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 to the southeast, the left side offers a good look back at the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River gorge as the aircraft climbs over the Twin Cities before leveling onto its southbound course. Notable sights include: Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River gorge, Fort Snelling confluence area.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MCO, the left side faces east toward central Florida's lake district, and on a clear day passengers can pick out the distant Atlantic coastline and Cape Canaveral area beyond the patchwork of lakes and citrus groves. Notable sights include: Central Florida lake district, distant Atlantic coastline, Cape Canaveral area, Orlando suburbs.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Orlando?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,311 miles (2,110 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Orlando flight path pass over?
The route crosses the flat agricultural plains of Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas, with the Mississippi River visible early in the flight and low, rolling foothills of the Ozarks briefly visible before the terrain flattens again over Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.