While landing favors the left, the takeoff view of Lake Ontario and the initial climb over the Greater Toronto Area is more visually distinctive and sustained than the landing approach. Right-side seats capture more dramatic scenery during the first 20 minutes of flight.
Flown YYZ to MCI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Kansas City is 836 miles (1,345 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses Lake Michigan's eastern shore (visible from either side depending on exact routing), then passes over Michigan's Lower Peninsula, crosses into Indiana and Illinois, and continues southwest over the agricultural landscape of Illinois and Missouri. The Ohio River valley and Appalachian foothills remain to the east and are not directly on the flight path. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Michigan shoreline (if routed over the lake), the flat agricultural plains of the Midwest, and the Missouri River valley as the aircraft approaches Kansas City from the northeast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwest from YYZ, and right-side windows capture the shoreline, Toronto's waterfront, and the lake's expanse as the city recedes below.
Landing at MCI
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to MCI. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and left windows frame the Missouri River, Kansas City's downtown skyline, and the surrounding prairie landscape as the airport comes into view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Kansas City International (MCI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Kansas City. While landing favors the left, the takeoff view of Lake Ontario and the initial climb over the Greater Toronto Area is more visually distinctive and sustained than the landing approach. Right-side seats capture more dramatic scenery during the first 20 minutes of flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs southwest from YYZ, and right-side windows capture the shoreline, Toronto's waterfront, and the lake's expanse as the city recedes below. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto waterfront and downtown core, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline), Niagara Escarpment ridge (visible in distance to southwest).
What can I see when landing at Kansas City International in Kansas City?
When landing at Kansas City International (MCI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to MCI. The aircraft descends from the northeast, and left windows frame the Missouri River, Kansas City's downtown skyline, and the surrounding prairie landscape as the airport comes into view. Notable sights include: Missouri River (distinctive meander visible from altitude), Kansas City downtown and skyline, Kansas River confluence, rolling prairie and farmland extending to the horizon.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Kansas City?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Kansas City International (MCI) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 836 miles (1,345 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Kansas City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Lake Michigan's eastern shore (visible from either side depending on exact routing), then passes over Michigan's Lower Peninsula, crosses into Indiana and Illinois, and continues southwest over the agricultural landscape of Illinois and Missouri. The Ohio River valley and Appalachian foothills remain to the east and are not directly on the flight path. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Michigan shoreline (if routed over the lake), the flat agricultural plains of the Midwest, and the Missouri River valley as the aircraft approaches Kansas City from the northeast.