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MSP destination photo
LGA destination photo

MSPLGA

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is typically superior for this route because it offers the most iconic views of the Manhattan skyline during the final approach into LaGuardia, especially during the 'Park Visual' or 'Expressway Visual' landings.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Twin Cities Skyline

Immediate views of downtown Minneapolis and the winding Mississippi River after departing MSP.

🌊

Lake Michigan Crossing

A vast blue expanse as the aircraft crosses from Wisconsin into the Michigan wilderness.

🍇

Finger Lakes Region

Stunning aerial views of the long, narrow glacial lakes in central New York state.

⛰️

Catskill Mountains

Rolling green peaks and forested ridges of the Appalachian range in southeastern New York.

🗽

Manhattan Skyline

A breathtaking panorama of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Midtown during the descent.

Sit on the Left Side for morning departures to avoid the direct southern sun. This side is the most likely to get the 'money shot' of the New York City skyline as the plane turns toward the runway at LGA. Keep your camera ready as soon as you descend past 5,000 feet.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🛶

St. Croix River

The scenic border between Minnesota and Wisconsin visible shortly after takeoff.

🚜

Midwestern Farmland

Intricate geometric patterns of gold and green fields across the heart of the country.

🏭

Rust Belt Industry

Views of the southern Lake Michigan shoreline, including the industrial landscapes of Gary and Cleveland.

🌳

Allegheny National Forest

Dense, dark green forest canopies and rugged terrain across northern Pennsylvania.

🏗️

Upper Manhattan & Bronx

Views of the George Washington Bridge and Yankee Stadium depending on the specific landing pattern.

The Right Side is excellent for evening flights as you can witness the sunset over the wing during the flight's mid-section. While you might miss the primary Manhattan skyline on many LGA arrivals, you often get a unique perspective of the bridges and the densely populated outer boroughs.

Top Activities in New York
Route Information

Distance: 1,638 km (1,018 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 11 min

Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Arrival: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)

Route Type: Domestic

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