The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic U.S. heartland and mountain terrain during departure, and one of the most recognizable harbor approaches in the world at Sydney. The right side is dominated by open ocean for most of the flight and lacks comparable landmark density.
Flown MSP to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Sydney is 9,009 miles (14,499 km), a flight of about 15 hours 45 minutes.
Central Pacific Ocean, scattered atolls near Kiribati and Fiji, the International Date Line
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
LEFTDeparting MSP, a southbound turn toward the transpacific track puts the Mississippi River bluffs, the Great Plains, and eventually the Rocky Mountain front range on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat Wisconsin and Minnesota farmland fading into haze.
Landing at SYD
LEFTOn approach to Sydney from the north, arrivals into runway 34L or 16R give left-side passengers a clear view of the Pacific coastline, Sydney Harbour with its bridge and opera house, and the sandstone cliffs of the Northern Beaches. The right side mostly faces inland suburbs and the Blue Mountains at a distance.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Sydney. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic U.S. heartland and mountain terrain during departure, and one of the most recognizable harbor approaches in the world at Sydney. The right side is dominated by open ocean for most of the flight and lacks comparable landmark density.
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, a southbound turn toward the transpacific track puts the Mississippi River bluffs, the Great Plains, and eventually the Rocky Mountain front range on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows flat Wisconsin and Minnesota farmland fading into haze. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Minnesota River Valley, Great Plains, distant Rocky Mountain foothills.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Sydney from the north, arrivals into runway 34L or 16R give left-side passengers a clear view of the Pacific coastline, Sydney Harbour with its bridge and opera house, and the sandstone cliffs of the Northern Beaches. The right side mostly faces inland suburbs and the Blue Mountains at a distance. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Northern Beaches coastline, Botany Bay.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Sydney?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 15 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,009 miles (14,499 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Sydney flight path pass over?
Central Pacific Ocean, scattered atolls near Kiribati and Fiji, the International Date Line