About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Minneapolis. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota the views are more symmetric, but the left side still offers slightly better angles on the Wasatch Range and the Black Hills on the horizon. Combined with the superior takeoff and landing views, left is the clear choice.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west then aircraft turn north, putting San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge on the left side. You get a sweeping view of the entire bay system as the aircraft climbs and banks northeast. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco city skyline, Marin Headlands.
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. MSP typically lands on runways 12L/12R or 17, with approaches from the northwest or north. The left side gives views over downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River gorge, and the chain of lakes in the city's southwest neighborhoods as you descend. Notable sights include: Downtown Minneapolis skyline, Mississippi River, Chain of Lakes (Lake Calhoun/Bde Maka Ska, Lake Harriet), Minnesota River confluence.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Minneapolis?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes.
What does the San Francisco to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
After departing the Bay Area the route crosses the Sierra Nevada (visible as a snow-capped ridge), then the Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah with the Bonneville Salt Flats occasionally visible. The Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City appears as a prominent mountain wall. Crossing into Wyoming the terrain flattens into high plains. The Black Hills of South Dakota may appear as a dark elevated mass on the horizon. The route then descends over the flat agricultural plains of Minnesota toward MSP.