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MSP → CUN
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Cancún International Airport (Cancun)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the clear winner for this route, offering iconic views of the Mississippi River, potential glimpses of major Southern cities, and most importantly, the stunning approach over Isla Mujeres and the turquoise waters of the Cancun Hotel Zone.
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Twin Cities Skyline
Immediate views of the Minneapolis and St. Paul skylines and the winding Mississippi River shortly after takeoff from MSP.
St. Louis Arch
On many flight paths, you can spot the Gateway Arch and the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to the east.
New Orleans & Delta
As you reach the Gulf Coast, look for the intricate patterns of the Mississippi River Delta and the sprawling wetlands of Louisiana.
Isla Mujeres
During the descent into Cancun, this narrow island appears as a vibrant sliver of land surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water.
Cancun Hotel Zone
The famous '7' shaped strip of white-sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean water is best viewed from the left on a standard northern approach.
For morning flights, sit on the left to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico. As you approach Cancun, the left side offers the best angle to see the dramatic color shift of the ocean from deep navy to bright teal. Keep your window shade down during the mid-flight Gulf crossing to avoid intense glare, but open it 20 minutes before landing.
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Heartland Mosaic
A vast geometric tapestry of Iowa and Missouri farmlands that changes colors based on the planting season.
Ozark Mountains
The rolling, forested hills of the Ozark Plateau provide a rugged contrast to the flat plains of the Midwest.
Louisiana Coastline
Watch the transition from land to sea as the plane crosses over the industrial ports and marshes of the western Gulf coast.
Yucatan Jungle
Upon entering Mexican airspace, the view is dominated by an endless, flat sea of dense green tropical jungle.
Nichupté Lagoon
On the final approach, you will see the massive lagoon system that separates the mainland city from the tourist district.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to enjoy a sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. While you miss the direct view of the Hotel Zone beach, you get an excellent perspective of the Cancun city center and the vastness of the Yucatan jungle. If the flight path takes a more westerly route, you might catch glimpses of the Texas coastline.
Book Hotels in CancunDistance: 2,715 km (1,687 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 37 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Route Type: International
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