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MSP → AMS
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the best opportunity to witness the spectacular Greenland ice sheet and the Aurora Borealis during the night portion of this northern transatlantic crossing.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Dramatic views of massive glaciers, deep fjords, and floating icebergs along the southern tip of Greenland.
Aurora Borealis
Since the flight travels at high latitudes, looking north provides a high probability of seeing the Northern Lights on overnight flights.
Northern Quebec & Labrador
Aerial perspective of the vast, rugged wilderness and countless lakes of the Canadian Shield.
The North Sea
View offshore wind farms and large shipping vessels as you approach the European continent.
Amsterdam Cityscape
If the flight approaches from the north, you will see the iconic canal rings and the port of Amsterdam.
Book a window seat on the left (Port) side and keep your window shade open during the middle of the flight for a chance to see the Aurora Borealis. Best views of Greenland occur roughly 4-5 hours into the flight; use a flight tracker to time your wake-up. For photography, use a dark blanket to cover your head and the window to block cabin reflections during the night.
Twin Cities Departure
Excellent views of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis skyline shortly after takeoff.
Lake Superior
Passage over or near the largest Great Lake, often showing the rugged coastline of Northern Michigan or Ontario.
Irish Coastline
Occasional distant views of the emerald green fields of Ireland and the southern UK depending on the jet stream path.
Dutch Polders
View the intricate geometric patterns of reclaimed land, canals, and agricultural fields of the Netherlands during descent.
Schiphol Infrastructure
A great view of one of Europe's largest airports, including the famous Polderbaan runway if landing from the west.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunrise over the Atlantic as you approach Europe. During the final 30 minutes of the flight, the right side often provides a clearer view of the Dutch coastline and the characteristic windmills and polders. This side is also generally warmer as it faces the sun during the morning arrival.
Distance: 6,685 km (4,154 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 52 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Route Type: International
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