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BMI → DEN
Which side of the plane to sit from Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal (Bloomington) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Rocky Mountains' Front Range, specifically Longs Peak, during the descent into Denver, and provides better lighting for photography on westbound afternoon flights.
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McLean County Mosaic
Intricate agricultural textures and small rural townships surrounding the Bloomington area.
Missouri River Crossings
The winding loops and sediment-rich waters of the Missouri River near the IA/NE/MO borders.
The Platte River Valley
Visible braided river systems that historically guided pioneers westward across the plains.
Longs Peak & Front Range
The dramatic rising of the Rocky Mountains, with the 14,259-foot Longs Peak dominating the northern skyline.
DEN Terminal Architecture
Clear views of the iconic white peaked Teflon-coated fabric roof of the Jeppesen Terminal during final approach.
This is the 'scenic' side for the approach. For the best lighting on the mountains, book an afternoon flight; the sun will be behind the plane, illuminating the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. As you descend, watch for the transition from the flat plains to the sudden verticality of the Front Range.
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Central Illinois Heartland
Bird's-eye view of the fertile agricultural grid patterns of McLean County immediately after takeoff.
The Mississippi River
Crossing the historic border between Illinois and Missouri/Iowa, featuring scenic river bluffs and islands.
Kansas City Metro
Distant views of the suburban expansion and Missouri River valley as the flight heads further west.
Kansas-Nebraska Wind Farms
Massive clusters of white wind turbines creating geometric patterns across the Great Plains.
Pikes Peak
During the southern arrival patterns into DEN, the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak is visible to the southwest.
Sit on this side for morning flights to keep the sun at your back and avoid glare. Keep an eye out for the distinct 'circle irrigation' patterns as you cross from the Midwest into the drier High Plains. If the plane approaches DEN from the south, you'll get a better look at the Denver city skyline.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,339 km (832 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 47 min
Departure: BMI (40.47710037, -88.91590118)
Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Route Type: Domestic
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