While takeoff offers coastal scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and extensive views of major geographic features—the Minnesota River valley, urban landscape, and multiple lakes create a more visually rewarding final descent than the midpoint flight over forested terrain.
Flown PWM to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Minneapolis is 1,133 miles (1,824 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Lake Michigan (visible to the north as you cross into Michigan airspace), the Great Lakes shoreline, transition from New England forests to the agricultural and lake-dotted landscape of upstate New York and Wisconsin, numerous smaller lakes scattered across the Upper Midwest
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PWM
LEFTLeft seats offer views of Casco Bay and the Atlantic coastline as you climb out eastbound before turning northwest. You'll see the rocky Maine coast and islands clearly during the initial climb.
Landing at MSP
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities sprawl during descent. You'll see the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, the Minnesota River, and surrounding lakes as you approach from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International Jetport (PWM) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Minneapolis. While takeoff offers coastal scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and extensive views of major geographic features—the Minnesota River valley, urban landscape, and multiple lakes create a more visually rewarding final descent than the midpoint flight over forested terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International Jetport in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International Jetport (PWM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of Casco Bay and the Atlantic coastline as you climb out eastbound before turning northwest. You'll see the rocky Maine coast and islands clearly during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Casco Bay with its islands, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Cape Elizabeth lighthouse area, Sebago Lake to the northwest.
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. Right seats provide excellent views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities sprawl during descent. You'll see the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, the Minnesota River, and surrounding lakes as you approach from the east. Notable sights include: Minnesota River valley, Minneapolis-St. Paul urban area, Chain of Lakes (Minneapolis), Mississippi River confluence.
How long is the flight from Portland to Minneapolis?
The flight from Portland International Jetport (PWM) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,133 miles (1,824 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Lake Michigan (visible to the north as you cross into Michigan airspace), the Great Lakes shoreline, transition from New England forests to the agricultural and lake-dotted landscape of upstate New York and Wisconsin, numerous smaller lakes scattered across the Upper Midwest