The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a glimpse of the Minneapolis skyline at departure and a much stronger view of the rugged Bitterroot Mountains during the descent into Missoula's mountain-ringed valley.
Flown MSP to MSO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Missoula is 1,010 miles (1,626 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Flat farmland of western Minnesota and North Dakota, the Missouri River near Bismarck, and the high plains of eastern Montana before the terrain rises toward the Rocky Mountain front near Missoula
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
LEFTDeparting MSP toward the northwest, the Minneapolis downtown skyline and the Mississippi River bends are visible to the south side of the aircraft as it climbs out, giving the left side a brief but distinct urban view before the plains take over.
Landing at MSO
LEFTOn approach into Missoula's valley, the jagged, snow-streaked Bitterroot Mountains rise prominently to the south, offering sharper relief and more dramatic peaks than the rounder Rattlesnake and Mission ranges to the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Missoula. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a glimpse of the Minneapolis skyline at departure and a much stronger view of the rugged Bitterroot Mountains during the descent into Missoula's mountain-ringed valley.
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 Minneapolis downtown skyline and the Mississippi River bends are visible to the south side of the aircraft as it climbs out, giving the left side a brief but distinct urban view before the plains take over. Notable sights include: Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, Minnesota River confluence, Lake Minnetonka area lakes.
What can I see when landing at Missoula Montana Airport in Missoula?
When landing at Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Missoula's valley, the jagged, snow-streaked Bitterroot Mountains rise prominently to the south, offering sharper relief and more dramatic peaks than the rounder Rattlesnake and Mission ranges to the north. Notable sights include: Bitterroot Mountains, Bitterroot River valley, Lolo Peak, Missoula valley floor.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Missoula?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,010 miles (1,626 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Missoula flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of western Minnesota and North Dakota, the Missouri River near Bismarck, and the high plains of eastern Montana before the terrain rises toward the Rocky Mountain front near Missoula