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ABQ destination photo
MSP destination photo

ABQMSP

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides an immediate, breathtaking view of the Sandia Mountains upon departure and maintains views of the southern Rocky Mountain peaks and the unique Nebraska Sandhills.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Sandia Mountains

Dramatic granite cliffs and the Sandia Crest rising sharply just east of Albuquerque right after takeoff.

🏔️

Sangre de Cristo Range

The southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains, often snow-capped, visible as you cross into Southern Colorado.

🏜️

Nebraska Sandhills

A vast region of grass-stabilized sand dunes creating a unique, rolling landscape across north-central Nebraska.

🏙️

Des Moines Skyline

The capital of Iowa and its distinct downtown architecture are often visible during the cruise phase.

🏢

Minneapolis Skyline

Depending on the wind and approach path, the skyscrapers of downtown Minneapolis appear during the final descent.

Sit on the left for the best mountain views during the first 30 minutes of the flight. For morning departures, the sun will be behind you, perfectly illuminating the Sandia Mountains and the Rockies. In winter, this side offers the best views of snow-covered peaks in the Sangre de Cristo range.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🚜

High Plains Irrigation

Intricate patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles creating a geometric patchwork across the Kansas and Nebraska plains.

🌊

Missouri River

The wide, meandering channel of the Missouri River as it marks the border between Nebraska and Iowa.

🌽

Iowa Corn Belt

Endless stretches of productive agricultural land that look like a green and gold quilt from 35,000 feet.

💧

Saylorville Lake

A large reservoir on the Des Moines River that serves as a major geographic landmark in central Iowa.

🌉

Mississippi River

The iconic waterway visible just before landing, especially if the aircraft approaches MSP from the south or east.

Choose the right side for an afternoon flight to avoid direct glare from the sun. This side is better for observing the transition from the arid Southwest to the lush, water-rich Midwest. Keep an eye out for the large river systems and the symmetry of American industrial farming.

Top Activities in Minneapolis
Route Information

Distance: 1,577 km (980 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 6 min

Departure: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)

Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Route Type: Domestic

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