The right side scores higher due to the dramatic Rocky Mountain approach and landing sequence. While the St. Louis departure offers modest urban and river scenery, the westbound cruise over the Great Plains is relatively featureless. The right side's advantage comes from the striking visual transition from flat plains to the Front Range peaks during descent, plus the mountain-dominated cruise segment—a more varied and visually compelling experience overall.
Flown STL to BJC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Denver is 791 miles (1,273 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Kansas plains (flat, minimal features), eastern Colorado plains (gradual elevation increase), South Platte River drainage system, foothills transition zone west of Denver
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
LEFTSt. Louis sits on the Mississippi River with the Gateway Arch as a distinctive landmark. Left-side departures heading west offer a clear view of the river confluence and urban core before climbing over relatively flat terrain.
Landing at BJC
RIGHTRight-side approaches to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport offer dramatic views of the Front Range as the aircraft descends. The Rockies rise sharply from the plains, with peaks like Mount Evans and the Continental Divide creating a striking visual transition from flat terrain to alpine landscape.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Denver. The right side scores higher due to the dramatic Rocky Mountain approach and landing sequence. While the St. Louis departure offers modest urban and river scenery, the westbound cruise over the Great Plains is relatively featureless. The right side's advantage comes from the striking visual transition from flat plains to the Front Range peaks during descent, plus the mountain-dominated cruise segment—a more varied and visually compelling experience overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. St. Louis sits on the Mississippi River with the Gateway Arch as a distinctive landmark. Left-side departures heading west offer a clear view of the river confluence and urban core before climbing over relatively flat terrain. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch, Mississippi River, St. Louis downtown skyline, Illinois plains to the east.
What can I see when landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
When landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side approaches to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport offer dramatic views of the Front Range as the aircraft descends. The Rockies rise sharply from the plains, with peaks like Mount Evans and the Continental Divide creating a striking visual transition from flat terrain to alpine landscape. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt visible), South Platte River valley, Denver metropolitan area sprawl, transition from Great Plains to Rocky Mountains.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Denver?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 791 miles (1,273 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Denver flight path pass over?
Kansas plains (flat, minimal features), eastern Colorado plains (gradual elevation increase), South Platte River drainage system, foothills transition zone west of Denver