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IND → MCI
Which side of the plane to sit from Indianapolis International Airport (Indianapolis) to Kansas City International Airport (Kansas City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the preferred choice for this route as it typically offers a prime view of the St. Louis skyline and the iconic Gateway Arch during the mid-flight transit across the Mississippi River.
Search flights from IND to MCI
Indianapolis Skyline
Clear views of downtown Indianapolis and the White River immediately after takeoff from IND.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
The flight path often passes just north of St. Louis, providing a spectacular view of the Arch and the Mississippi riverfront.
Mississippi River Confluence
Observe the massive scale of the water where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet just north of St. Louis.
Midwestern Tapestry
Expansive views of the geometric agricultural patterns across Illinois and Missouri, particularly striking during harvest season.
Kansas City Sports Complex
Depending on the approach pattern, you may see Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums to the south of the city center.
Book a seat behind the wing on the left side for the best chance to photograph the Gateway Arch. For late afternoon flights, the sun will be behind you, perfectly illuminating the St. Louis skyline and the river. Keep an eye out about 35-40 minutes into the flight for the Mississippi River crossing.
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Springfield, Illinois
Distances views of the Illinois State Capitol building and the surrounding urban grid of Springfield.
Missouri River Bends
Excellent views of the winding, silt-heavy Missouri River as it meanders through the floodplains of central Missouri.
Mark Twain Lake
To the north, you can often spot the jagged shoreline of this large reservoir in northeastern Missouri.
Kansas City Northland
Detailed views of the suburban expansion and rolling hills of the northern KC metro area during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. It offers a more serene view of the Missouri River's natural geography. Watch for the change in terrain from the flat plains of Illinois to the more rolling, wooded hills of northern Missouri.
Book Hotels in Kansas CityDistance: 724 km (450 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 12 min
Departure: IND (39.7173, -86.294403)
Arrival: MCI (39.2976, -94.713898)
Route Type: Domestic
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