Although the right side wins the short bookend views at St. Louis and Frankfurt, the long cruise phase favors the left side, which tracks north over the Great Lakes, the Canadian Shield, and the North Atlantic, occasionally catching the rugged coastline near Newfoundland or Labrador — far more varied than the largely featureless ocean on the right for most of the flight.
Flown STL to FRA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Frankfurt is 4,581 miles (7,373 km), a flight of about 9 hours 10 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean between the Labrador Sea and Ireland, with the great-circle track curving far enough north that the southern tip of Greenland or its coastal glaciers may be visible on the left side in clear conditions.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTDeparting STL, the initial climb and turn typically put downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi/Missouri river confluence on the right side, giving a brief but clear view of the Gateway Arch and the city skyline before the route turns northeast.
Landing at FRA
RIGHTOn final approach into Frankfurt from the east (runway 25 series), the city center and its cluster of high-rise towers sit just north of the flight path, making them visible on the right side shortly before touchdown, with the Main River threading through the skyline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Frankfurt. Although the right side wins the short bookend views at St. Louis and Frankfurt, the long cruise phase favors the left side, which tracks north over the Great Lakes, the Canadian Shield, and the North Atlantic, occasionally catching the rugged coastline near Newfoundland or Labrador — far more varied than the largely featureless ocean on the right for most of the flight.
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 Right side for the best views. Departing STL, the initial climb and turn typically put downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi/Missouri river confluence on the right side, giving a brief but clear view of the Gateway Arch and the city skyline before the route turns northeast. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch, Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline, Busch Stadium.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into Frankfurt from the east (runway 25 series), the city center and its cluster of high-rise towers sit just north of the flight path, making them visible on the right side shortly before touchdown, with the Main River threading through the skyline. Notable sights include: Frankfurt skyline (Main Tower, Commerzbank Tower), Main River, Taunus hills in the distance.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Frankfurt?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes about 9 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,581 miles (7,373 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean between the Labrador Sea and Ireland, with the great-circle track curving far enough north that the southern tip of Greenland or its coastal glaciers may be visible on the left side in clear conditions.