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IAD → MSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Great Lakes coastline and a high probability of seeing the Minneapolis skyline during the final descent into MSP.
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Blue Ridge Mountains
Stunning views of the parallel ridges of the Appalachians shortly after departure from Dulles.
Lake Erie Shoreline
The aircraft often parallels the southern coast of Lake Erie, providing views of Cleveland and the Great Lakes shipping lanes.
Lake Michigan Crossing
A vast expanse of deep blue water often punctuated by whitecaps and the Wisconsin coastline near Milwaukee.
Wisconsin Dells
Look for the unique sandstone formations and winding river paths over central Wisconsin.
Minneapolis Skyline
Often provides the best angle of the downtown Minneapolis skyscrapers during the standard arrival sequence from the east.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Midwest. It offers the most consistent views of the Great Lakes. During the final approach to MSP, this side typically provides the most direct view of the downtown Minneapolis core.
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Northern Virginia Suburbs
Aerial views of Reston and the rolling hills of the Virginia hunt country immediately after takeoff.
Appalachian Plateau
The rugged, forested terrain of West Virginia and western Pennsylvania stretching toward the horizon.
Chicago Skyline
On clear days with a southern routing, the iconic Willis Tower and Chicago lakefront are visible in the distance.
Mississippi River
The dramatic crossing of the massive river valley marking the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Mall of America
If landing on the 30 runways, look down to see the massive retail complex just south of the airport.
Sit on the left for better lighting during morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. This side is also preferred if the flight path tracks closer to the Ohio River valley. Keep an eye out for the winding Mississippi River about 15 minutes before landing.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,459 km (907 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 57 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Route Type: Domestic
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