The right side wins because it strings together the most dramatic terrain of the route: the Black Hills and Bighorn Mountains of the northern Plains during cruise, glimpses of the Great Salt Lake basin, and finally the abrupt rise of the Sierra Nevada on descent into Reno. The left side stays largely over flat agricultural land and empty basin desert with fewer distinct landmarks.
Flown MSP to RNO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Reno is 1,402 miles (2,256 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses South Dakota's Black Hills region, the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, and the northern edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert in Utah before crossing into Nevada's Basin and Range country.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTDeparting MSP to the southwest, the right side gives passengers a clean view over the Minnesota River valley and the patchwork farmland of the Upper Midwest, with the Minneapolis skyline briefly visible behind as the plane climbs. It's not dramatic, but it's more visually organized than the featureless plains on the left.
Landing at RNO
RIGHTOn approach into Reno, the right side offers views of the Sierra Nevada front range rising sharply to the west, including the granite ridgelines above Truckee, as the plane descends into the high desert basin. This side captures the dramatic elevation change that defines Reno's setting far better than the flatter Nevada desert 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 Reno Tahoe International (RNO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Reno. The right side wins because it strings together the most dramatic terrain of the route: the Black Hills and Bighorn Mountains of the northern Plains during cruise, glimpses of the Great Salt Lake basin, and finally the abrupt rise of the Sierra Nevada on descent into Reno. The left side stays largely over flat agricultural land and empty basin desert with fewer distinct landmarks.
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. Departing MSP to the southwest, the right side gives passengers a clean view over the Minnesota River valley and the patchwork farmland of the Upper Midwest, with the Minneapolis skyline briefly visible behind as the plane climbs. It's not dramatic, but it's more visually organized than the featureless plains on the left. Notable sights include: Minneapolis-St. Paul skyline, Minnesota River valley, Twin Cities lakes (Lake Minnetonka area).
What can I see when landing at Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
When landing at Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Reno, the right side offers views of the Sierra Nevada front range rising sharply to the west, including the granite ridgelines above Truckee, as the plane descends into the high desert basin. This side captures the dramatic elevation change that defines Reno's setting far better than the flatter Nevada desert on the left. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada front range, Peavine Peak, Truckee River canyon, Reno-Sparks urban valley.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Reno?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,402 miles (2,256 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Reno flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses South Dakota's Black Hills region, the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, and the northern edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert in Utah before crossing into Nevada's Basin and Range country.