The right side wins overall because the Front Range and Denver skyline on final approach provide a genuinely dramatic, high-relief view that outclasses the flat Great Plains cruise and modest Ozark takeoff scenery on the left.
Flown XNA to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers to Denver is 615 miles (990 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Flint Hills of Kansas, Arkansas River valley, high plains of eastern Colorado
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from XNA
LEFTDeparting XNA to the northwest, the left side offers a brief view of the forested Boston Mountains and Ozark plateau terrain south of the airport before the plane levels off over flatter country. It's modest scenery but more textured than the right side's view of suburban Rogers/Bentonville sprawl.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTOn approach into Denver, the right side offers a sweeping view of the Front Range as the aircraft descends from the east, with the jagged wall of the Rockies rising sharply from the plains. Denver's skyline and the foothills are visible just before touchdown, making for a far more dramatic final descent than the flat plains on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers to Denver. The right side wins overall because the Front Range and Denver skyline on final approach provide a genuinely dramatic, high-relief view that outclasses the flat Great Plains cruise and modest Ozark takeoff scenery on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers?
During takeoff from Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing XNA to the northwest, the left side offers a brief view of the forested Boston Mountains and Ozark plateau terrain south of the airport before the plane levels off over flatter country. It's modest scenery but more textured than the right side's view of suburban Rogers/Bentonville sprawl. Notable sights include: Boston Mountains, Ozark Plateau ridgelines, White River valley.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Denver, the right side offers a sweeping view of the Front Range as the aircraft descends from the east, with the jagged wall of the Rockies rising sharply from the plains. Denver's skyline and the foothills are visible just before touchdown, making for a far more dramatic final descent than the flat plains on the left. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, Denver downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers to Denver?
The flight from Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 615 miles (990 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers to Denver flight path pass over?
Flint Hills of Kansas, Arkansas River valley, high plains of eastern Colorado