The right side strings together the Philadelphia skyline on departure, a glimpse of Lake Erie's shoreline and the southern end of Lake Michigan during cruise, and the Minneapolis skyline with the Mississippi River and city lakes on arrival, giving it noticeably more landmark variety than the largely flat farmland visible on the left.
Flown PHL to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Minneapolis is 978 miles (1,574 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The route crosses the ridgelines of Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau, passes near Lake Erie's south shore around Cleveland, clips the southern basin of Lake Michigan near Milwaukee, and continues over Wisconsin dairy country before descending into the lake-studded Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
RIGHTPHL departures on runway 27 climb west over the city before banking right onto the northwest cruise track toward Minnesota, and that turn swings Center City Philadelphia into view on the right side of the cabin. Left-side passengers mostly see flat South Jersey suburbs receding behind.
Landing at MSP
RIGHTMSP arrivals from the southeast typically land on the northwest-facing 30L/30R runways, descending over the southern Twin Cities. This puts downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River, and the city's signature lakes on the right side of the aircraft during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Minneapolis. The right side strings together the Philadelphia skyline on departure, a glimpse of Lake Erie's shoreline and the southern end of Lake Michigan during cruise, and the Minneapolis skyline with the Mississippi River and city lakes on arrival, giving it noticeably more landmark variety than the largely flat farmland visible on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. PHL departures on runway 27 climb west over the city before banking right onto the northwest cruise track toward Minnesota, and that turn swings Center City Philadelphia into view on the right side of the cabin. Left-side passengers mostly see flat South Jersey suburbs receding behind. Notable sights include: Center City Philadelphia skyline, Schuylkill River bend, South Philadelphia sports complex, Delaware River.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. MSP arrivals from the southeast typically land on the northwest-facing 30L/30R runways, descending over the southern Twin Cities. This puts downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River, and the city's signature lakes on the right side of the aircraft during final descent. Notable sights include: Minneapolis downtown skyline, Mississippi River gorge, Lake Harriet and Lake Nokomis, Minnehaha Creek.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Minneapolis?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 978 miles (1,574 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
The route crosses the ridgelines of Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau, passes near Lake Erie's south shore around Cleveland, clips the southern basin of Lake Michigan near Milwaukee, and continues over Wisconsin dairy country before descending into the lake-studded Minneapolis-St. Paul area.