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MSP destination photo
CLT destination photo

MSPCLT

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

While both sides offer excellent views, the Right Side is superior for catching the rugged terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge range during the descent into Charlotte.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏞️

Driftless Area

View the unique, unglaciated rugged topography of southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin.

🌽

Midwestern Heartland

A geometric tapestry of agricultural fields across Iowa and Illinois, showcasing vibrant greens and golds depending on the season.

⛰️

Appalachian Mountains

Spectacular views of the rolling peaks of the Appalachians as you cross from Kentucky into North Carolina.

🌲

Great Smoky Mountains

Distant but majestic views of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains during the initial descent phase.

💧

Lake Wylie

If landing from the north, the right side provides a close-up view of Lake Wylie on the border of North and South Carolina.

The right side is the 'scenic winner' for the mountain crossing. For the best photography, an afternoon flight provides dramatic lighting over the Appalachian ridges. Keep your camera ready about 30 minutes before landing, as the transition from the flat Midwest to the ancient mountain peaks happens quickly.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🏙️

Twin Cities Skyline

Clear views of downtown Minneapolis and the US Bank Stadium immediately after takeoff from MSP.

🌊

Mississippi River Bends

Follow the winding path of the Upper Mississippi River as the plane tracks southeast toward Wisconsin.

🌉

Ohio River Crossing

Aerial perspective of the wide Ohio River, often marking the transition into the mid-south terrain.

🚤

Lake Norman

On the final approach to CLT, the left side often looks down on the expansive shoreline of North Carolina's largest man-made lake.

🏢

Uptown Charlotte

Depending on the wind and runway approach, the left side can offer a stunning profile of the Charlotte skyline.

Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is particularly good for spotting the suburban sprawl of the Research Triangle and the dense canopy of the Piedmont region. If the plane lands towards the south, you'll get a great view of Lake Norman's many inlets.

Top Activities in Charlotte
Route Information

Distance: 1,496 km (930 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs

Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)

Route Type: Domestic

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