The takeoff views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles Basin are more visually dramatic and geographically distinctive than the landing approach. The midpoint flight path over the Great Plains offers limited scenic variation.
Flown ONT to MSN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ontario to Madison is 1,640 miles (2,640 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert (sparse, minimal visual interest), then transitions over Arizona and New Mexico high desert and mesas, followed by the Great Plains of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. The Colorado River and Rio Grande are possible but often too distant to see clearly. The Ozark plateau becomes visible approaching Missouri/Arkansas. Most of the midpoint flight offers flat-to-rolling terrain with limited dramatic landmarks; the primary visual interest concentrates at takeoff (mountains) and landing (lakes and isthmus).
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ONT
LEFTLeft side offers views of the San Gabriel Mountains immediately north of Ontario, with the broader Los Angeles Basin sprawling westward. Right side faces inland desert with less dramatic terrain.
Landing at MSN
RIGHTRight side provides views of Lake Mendota and the Madison isthmus during descent into Dane County. Left side faces farmland and less distinctive terrain. The lake and city layout are striking from altitude.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
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 Ontario International (ONT) to Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ontario to Madison. The takeoff views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles Basin are more visually dramatic and geographically distinctive than the landing approach. The midpoint flight path over the Great Plains offers limited scenic variation.
What can I see during takeoff from Ontario International in Ontario?
During takeoff from Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the San Gabriel Mountains immediately north of Ontario, with the broader Los Angeles Basin sprawling westward. Right side faces inland desert with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles Basin urban sprawl, San Bernardino Valley, Inland Empire cities (Riverside, San Bernardino).
What can I see when landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
When landing at Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Lake Mendota and the Madison isthmus during descent into Dane County. Left side faces farmland and less distinctive terrain. The lake and city layout are striking from altitude. Notable sights include: Lake Mendota, Madison city center and isthmus, Lake Monona, Dane County agricultural landscape.
How long is the flight from Ontario to Madison?
The flight from Ontario International (ONT) to Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,640 miles (2,640 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ontario to Madison flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert (sparse, minimal visual interest), then transitions over Arizona and New Mexico high desert and mesas, followed by the Great Plains of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. The Colorado River and Rio Grande are possible but often too distant to see clearly. The Ozark plateau becomes visible approaching Missouri/Arkansas. Most of the midpoint flight offers flat-to-rolling terrain with limited dramatic landmarks; the primary visual interest concentrates at takeoff (mountains) and landing (lakes and isthmus).