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CLT → DSM
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the rugged Southern Appalachian Mountains shortly after takeoff and provides a better perspective of the Mississippi River crossing and the Des Moines skyline upon arrival.
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Pisgah National Forest
Visible shortly after departure, look for the rolling peaks and dense canopy of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Lake Cumberland
A massive reservoir in Kentucky known for its jagged shoreline and deep blue waters.
Louisville Outskirts
Aerial views of the Kentucky landscape transitioning from mountains to the fertile Ohio River valley.
Mississippi River
A prominent landmark crossing between Illinois and Iowa, often showing barge traffic and sandbars.
Des Moines Skyline
The golden dome of the Iowa State Capitol and downtown skyscrapers are best seen on southern approaches.
Sit on the left for better lighting during morning flights to avoid direct glare. This side is ideal for capturing the scale of the Appalachian range. Watch for the distinct 'grid' pattern of the Midwest agricultural land as you enter Illinois and Iowa. If landing to the West, the left side often aligns with a view of the State Capitol building.
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Lake Norman
Immediately after takeoff from CLT, you may see the sprawling arms of North Carolina's largest man-made lake.
Ohio River
The flight path crosses this major waterway near the Indiana-Kentucky border, offering views of river commerce.
Indianapolis Horizon
Depending on the specific flight path, the skyline of Indianapolis may be visible to the North.
Illinois Prairies
Vast stretches of geometric farmland that look like a massive green and gold quilt from 35,000 feet.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft. Keep an eye out for the Ohio River, which serves as a major geographical boundary. During winter months, the right side offers the best chance to see snow cover patterns across the northern plains of Indiana and Illinois.
Book Hotels in Des MoinesDistance: 1,311 km (815 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 45 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Route Type: Domestic
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