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DSM → SFB
Which side of the plane to sit from Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines) to Orlando Sanford International Airport (Sanford)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the Mississippi River crossing, the rolling foothills of the Appalachian range, and a picturesque approach over Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River into Sanford.
Mississippi River Crossing
View the massive scale of the 'Mighty Mississippi' as you transition from the Midwestern plains into the Southern states.
Nashville Skyline
Depending on the specific flight corridor, catch a glimpse of the 'Music City' urban sprawl in central Tennessee.
Appalachian Fringe
Observe the eastern horizon where the Great Smoky Mountains begin to rise, showing a distinct change in elevation and forest density.
St. Johns River
One of the few rivers in the US that flows north, visible as a winding blue ribbon through the dense Florida greenery.
Lake Monroe
A stunning water feature directly adjacent to SFB, often visible during the final descent and banking maneuvers.
Sit on the left (port) side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare and enjoy the best light hitting the landscape. As you descend into Sanford, keep your eyes peeled for the St. Johns River basin, which is a key landmark for the airport's approach. In autumn, this side provides better views of the changing foliage colors as you pass over Kentucky and Tennessee.
St. Louis Arch
On more westerly flight paths, you may spot the Gateway Arch glinting in the distance as you bypass the St. Louis metro area.
Kentucky Lake
See the expansive waters of the Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the US.
North Georgia Pine Forests
Dense, vibrant green canopies of Georgia's timberland stretch toward the horizon before reaching the Florida border.
Orlando Theme Park Glow
On evening flights, look for the distant artificial glow of the major Orlando attractions situated to the southwest of Sanford.
Florida Lake District
A unique aerial view of the thousands of sinkhole lakes that dot the Central Florida landscape.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico (visible in the far distance) and the central Florida plains. Watch for the 'Lake Belt' as you cross the Florida border, where the terrain transforms into a mosaic of water and wetlands. If arriving at night, the right side provides a better view of the sprawling lights of the greater Orlando metropolitan area.
Distance: 1,809 km (1,124 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 25 min
Departure: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Arrival: SFB (28.7775993347168, -81.23750305175781)
Route Type: Domestic
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