While right seats win at takeoff, left seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight. The route crosses Iowa and Missouri, where left-side views capture the Mississippi River valley throughout the descent into New Orleans—the dominant geographic feature of this entire corridor. The landing approach heavily favors left seats.
Flown MSP to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to New Orleans is 1,041 miles (1,675 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path follows the Mississippi River valley corridor for much of the journey. Notable features include the Iowa River system, the Missouri River confluence near St. Louis (visible from altitude as a major waterway junction), and the transition from Midwestern agricultural landscape to the Mississippi Delta. The river itself remains the primary geographic reference point throughout the flight, visible as a meandering dark line against lighter terrain. Around the St. Louis area (roughly midpoint), the Missouri River joins the Mississippi from the west, creating a distinctive confluence pattern visible from cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTRight side seats capture the Mississippi River valley and Minnesota River confluence immediately after departure. MSP typically departs runways 04R/04L or 30L/30R depending on wind; northbound or eastbound departures show the river systems that define the Twin Cities geography.
Landing at MSY
LEFTLeft side seats offer the best view of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River delta during approach to MSY. Typical approaches from the north bring aircraft over the lake and river system; left seats face the water features that define New Orleans' geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to New Orleans. While right seats win at takeoff, left seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight. The route crosses Iowa and Missouri, where left-side views capture the Mississippi River valley throughout the descent into New Orleans—the dominant geographic feature of this entire corridor. The landing approach heavily favors left seats.
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. Right side seats capture the Mississippi River valley and Minnesota River confluence immediately after departure. MSP typically departs runways 04R/04L or 30L/30R depending on wind; northbound or eastbound departures show the river systems that define the Twin Cities geography. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Minnesota River confluence, downtown Minneapolis skyline, St. Paul downtown district.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats offer the best view of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River delta during approach to MSY. Typical approaches from the north bring aircraft over the lake and river system; left seats face the water features that define New Orleans' geography. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Mississippi River delta, New Orleans downtown and French Quarter, Crescent City connection.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to New Orleans?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,041 miles (1,675 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The flight path follows the Mississippi River valley corridor for much of the journey. Notable features include the Iowa River system, the Missouri River confluence near St. Louis (visible from altitude as a major waterway junction), and the transition from Midwestern agricultural landscape to the Mississippi Delta. The river itself remains the primary geographic reference point throughout the flight, visible as a meandering dark line against lighter terrain. Around the St. Louis area (roughly midpoint), the Missouri River joins the Mississippi from the west, creating a distinctive confluence pattern visible from cruise altitude.