Right-side seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic curves and the St. Louis Gateway Arch during departure, which is the most visually distinctive feature of this route. While left-side landing views are strong, the takeoff scenery from the right is more iconic and geographically striking.
Flown STL to MSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Minneapolis is 448 miles (721 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Illinois, passing east of the Illinois River valley. Notable features include the gently rolling terrain of central Illinois with agricultural fields, scattered lakes and small rivers, and the transition from the Mississippi River basin to the upper Mississippi drainage. The landscape becomes progressively more forested and rolling as the flight approaches Minnesota. No major mountain ranges or dramatic topographic features are visible; the terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling throughout the route.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River as it curves through St. Louis and the Gateway Arch area during initial climb. The river's distinctive meanders and the confluence with the Missouri River are clearly visible from 5,000-10,000 feet.
Landing at MSP
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities metropolitan area during descent into MSP. The convergence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers near the airport, plus downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul skylines, are prominent from 10,000-5,000 feet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Minneapolis. Right-side seats capture the Mississippi River's dramatic curves and the St. Louis Gateway Arch during departure, which is the most visually distinctive feature of this route. While left-side landing views are strong, the takeoff scenery from the right is more iconic and geographically striking.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River as it curves through St. Louis and the Gateway Arch area during initial climb. The river's distinctive meanders and the confluence with the Missouri River are clearly visible from 5,000-10,000 feet. Notable sights include: Mississippi River and its meanders, Gateway Arch area, Missouri River confluence, St. Louis urban grid.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities metropolitan area during descent into MSP. The convergence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers near the airport, plus downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul skylines, are prominent from 10,000-5,000 feet. Notable sights include: Minnesota River valley, Mississippi River, Minneapolis and St. Paul downtown skylines, Minnesota River-Mississippi River confluence.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Minneapolis?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 448 miles (721 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Minneapolis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Illinois, passing east of the Illinois River valley. Notable features include the gently rolling terrain of central Illinois with agricultural fields, scattered lakes and small rivers, and the transition from the Mississippi River basin to the upper Mississippi drainage. The landscape becomes progressively more forested and rolling as the flight approaches Minnesota. No major mountain ranges or dramatic topographic features are visible; the terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling throughout the route.