Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of Lake Ontario and Toronto's waterfront are more visually striking than the landing approach. While the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch on the left during landing are notable, the extended lake views during departure from YTZ offer more sustained scenic interest.
Flown YTZ to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to St. Louis is 662 miles (1,065 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses from Ontario southwestward over Michigan (Lake Michigan visible to the left/north during cruise), then over Indiana and Illinois. Notable midpoint features include Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline, the Indiana-Illinois border region, and the transition from the Great Lakes basin to the Mississippi River valley. The terrain gradually becomes flatter as the aircraft moves from the Great Lakes region toward the Mississippi River system.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure from YTZ. The aircraft climbs southwestward over the lake before turning toward St. Louis, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Toronto's waterfront and the open water.
Landing at STL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to STL. Aircraft descend from the northeast, and left-side passengers see the Mississippi River and its distinctive meanders, plus the St. Louis metropolitan area and the Gateway Arch before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to St. Louis. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of Lake Ontario and Toronto's waterfront are more visually striking than the landing approach. While the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch on the left during landing are notable, the extended lake views during departure from YTZ offer more sustained scenic interest.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure from YTZ. The aircraft climbs southwestward over the lake before turning toward St. Louis, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Toronto's waterfront and the open water. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands, Scarborough Bluffs, Toronto downtown skyline.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to STL. Aircraft descend from the northeast, and left-side passengers see the Mississippi River and its distinctive meanders, plus the St. Louis metropolitan area and the Gateway Arch before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, St. Louis downtown, Illinois bluffs.
How long is the flight from Toronto to St. Louis?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 662 miles (1,065 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses from Ontario southwestward over Michigan (Lake Michigan visible to the left/north during cruise), then over Indiana and Illinois. Notable midpoint features include Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline, the Indiana-Illinois border region, and the transition from the Great Lakes basin to the Mississippi River valley. The terrain gradually becomes flatter as the aircraft moves from the Great Lakes region toward the Mississippi River system.