Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Ontario. While takeoff favors the right for river views, the landing descent into Ontario on the left side offers more dramatic and sustained scenery—the San Gabriel Mountains provide a striking visual climax to the flight. The left side captures the transition from high desert to mountain terrain more effectively.

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 urban Minneapolis sprawl during the initial climb. MSP typically departs runways 04R/04L or 22L/22R; westbound departures on 04R/04L offer the best river views as you climb southwest. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (winding through downtown Minneapolis), Minnesota River confluence (south of the city), Chain of Lakes district (visible as water features in southwest Minneapolis), suburban sprawl extending toward Bloomington and Edina.

When landing at Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Inland Empire's sprawling development pattern during descent into Ontario. ONT typically uses runways 08L/08R or 26L/26R; eastbound approaches on 26L/26R offer mountain views as you descend from the north. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (snow-capped peaks to the north and northeast), San Bernardino Mountains (visible to the east), Inland Empire urban sprawl (warehouses and logistics centers), Cajon Pass (the mountain gap to the northeast).

The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Ontario International (ONT) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses Iowa (Des Moines area visible if on a southern routing), then enters the Great Plains. Over Kansas and Colorado, you'll see the High Plains terrain gradually rising toward the Rocky Mountains. The Continental Divide and Colorado Front Range appear on the left (north) side of the flight path. Entering New Mexico and Arizona, the terrain transitions to high desert with sparse vegetation. The Colorado Plateau and Mogollon Rim are visible to the north. As you approach California, the Mojave Desert dominates—flat, arid, with sparse Joshua trees and mining operations. The San Bernardino Mountains and San Gabriel Mountains mark the final descent into the Los Angeles basin.