The left side captures the Cascade Range and the northern Rockies near Glacier National Park during cruise, plus the Twin Cities skyline and lake country on approach, giving it more sustained variety than the right side, which after Mount Rainier settles into featureless farmland for most of the flight.
Flown SEA to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Minneapolis is 1,395 miles (2,245 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Rocky Mountain Front and the Bitterroot Range in Montana, the Missouri River valley, and the flat wheat country of eastern Montana and North Dakota
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTSEA departures typically roll south before turning east toward Minneapolis, and that turn puts Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone squarely on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over the Kent Valley. It's the single most dramatic landmark of the whole flight.
Landing at MSP
LEFTOn approach into MSP from the northwest, the descent path passes north of the airport before turning onto final, giving left-side passengers a view over the Minneapolis skyline, the Mississippi River gorge, and the region's characteristic lakes before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Minneapolis. The left side captures the Cascade Range and the northern Rockies near Glacier National Park during cruise, plus the Twin Cities skyline and lake country on approach, giving it more sustained variety than the right side, which after Mount Rainier settles into featureless farmland for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. SEA departures typically roll south before turning east toward Minneapolis, and that turn puts Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone squarely on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over the Kent Valley. It's the single most dramatic landmark of the whole flight. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Puget Sound shoreline, Kent Valley, Cascade foothills.
What can I see when landing at Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
When landing at Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MSP from the northwest, the descent path passes north of the airport before turning onto final, giving left-side passengers a view over the Minneapolis skyline, the Mississippi River gorge, and the region's characteristic lakes before touchdown. Notable sights include: Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, Lake Minnetonka area lakes, St. Paul.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Minneapolis?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,395 miles (2,245 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountain Front and the Bitterroot Range in Montana, the Missouri River valley, and the flat wheat country of eastern Montana and North Dakota