The right side wins thanks to a strong Mt. Hood view on departure and a Gateway Arch/Mississippi River glimpse on arrival, bookending an otherwise flat cruise over the Great Plains.
Flown PDX to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to St. Louis is 1,704 miles (2,742 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Snake River Plain of southern Idaho, the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains near the Wyoming border, and the flat agricultural plains of Nebraska and Kansas
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
RIGHTEastbound departures from PDX typically climb out with Mt. Hood's snow-capped cone visible off the south side of the aircraft, a striking contrast to the flatter Willamette Valley scenery on the north side. The Columbia River Gorge and Mt. St. Helens are visible left, but Mt. Hood's proximity and prominence make the right side more dramatic.
Landing at STL
RIGHTOn approach into STL, flights descending from the west often bank south toward the parallel runways, giving passengers on the right side a view of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch, before final approach. The left side mostly shows flat Missouri farmland with no distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to St. Louis. The right side wins thanks to a strong Mt. Hood view on departure and a Gateway Arch/Mississippi River glimpse on arrival, bookending an otherwise flat cruise over the Great Plains.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Eastbound departures from PDX typically climb out with Mt. Hood's snow-capped cone visible off the south side of the aircraft, a striking contrast to the flatter Willamette Valley scenery on the north side. The Columbia River Gorge and Mt. St. Helens are visible left, but Mt. Hood's proximity and prominence make the right side more dramatic. Notable sights include: Mt. Hood, Willamette Valley, Columbia River (distant left), Cascade foothills.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into STL, flights descending from the west often bank south toward the parallel runways, giving passengers on the right side a view of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch, before final approach. The left side mostly shows flat Missouri farmland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch, Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline, Missouri floodplain farmland.
How long is the flight from Portland to St. Louis?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,704 miles (2,742 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to St. Louis flight path pass over?
Snake River Plain of southern Idaho, the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains near the Wyoming border, and the flat agricultural plains of Nebraska and Kansas