The takeoff views over the Pacific and coastal mountains are more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach. While the landing offers good urban geography context, the departure scenery is superior for scenic value.
Flown SNA to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santa Ana to Minneapolis is 1,520 miles (2,446 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Mojave Desert (visible as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain around 2 hours into flight), Sierra Nevada mountains on the eastern horizon, Great Basin high desert, Colorado Plateau features, and the transition into the Great Plains as you approach Minnesota. The flight path generally follows a northeast trajectory across the southwestern and central United States.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SNA
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Pacific coastline and Santa Ana Mountains as you climb out over Orange County. The right side faces inland toward urban sprawl with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at MSP
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Minnesota River valley and the Minneapolis-St. Paul urban area during descent. You'll see the distinctive confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers and the city's skyline. Left side faces toward less distinctive suburban and agricultural terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Ana to Minneapolis. The takeoff views over the Pacific and coastal mountains are more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach. While the landing offers good urban geography context, the departure scenery is superior for scenic value.
What can I see during takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co in Santa Ana?
During takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Pacific coastline and Santa Ana Mountains as you climb out over Orange County. The right side faces inland toward urban sprawl with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, Santa Ana Mountains, Newport Beach and Laguna Niguel coastal communities, San Clemente Island (visible on clearer days).
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 side provides excellent views of the Minnesota River valley and the Minneapolis-St. Paul urban area during descent. You'll see the distinctive confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers and the city's skyline. Left side faces toward less distinctive suburban and agricultural terrain. Notable sights include: Minnesota River valley, Mississippi River, Minneapolis-St. Paul downtown skyline and urban core, Mall of America (visible as large complex in Bloomington).
How long is the flight from Santa Ana to Minneapolis?
The flight from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,520 miles (2,446 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santa Ana to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert (visible as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain around 2 hours into flight), Sierra Nevada mountains on the eastern horizon, Great Basin high desert, Colorado Plateau features, and the transition into the Great Plains as you approach Minnesota. The flight path generally follows a northeast trajectory across the southwestern and central United States.