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MSP → MCI
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Kansas City International Airport (Kansas City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Minnesota River Valley upon departure and a clear perspective of the sprawling Iowa landscape and Des Moines skyline mid-flight.
Minnesota River Valley
Dramatic views of the valley floor and lush greenery immediately following a southbound departure.
Des Moines Skyline
The Iowa state capital is frequently visible mid-route, offering a dense urban contrast to the surrounding farms.
Iowa Wind Farms
Look for massive clusters of white wind turbines across the northern and central Iowa plains.
Missouri River Loop
The wide, muddy curves of the Missouri River are prominent during the descent into the Kansas City area.
MCI Architecture
The unique horseshoe-shaped terminal layout of Kansas City International is highly visible on the final approach.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh sun. It provides the best angle for spotting the Minnesota River and the Des Moines metro area. If the flight approaches MCI from the north, the right side often gets a better view of the river's western bends.
St. Paul Skyline
A distant view of the Minnesota state capital's skyline shortly after lifting off from MSP.
Upper Mississippi River
The winding river acts as a natural border between Minnesota and Wisconsin to the east.
Lake Pepin
The widest natural part of the Mississippi River, visible as a large blue expanse in the distance.
Missouri Farmlands
Vast, intricate patterns of agricultural fields that dominate the landscape as you cross the state line.
For morning flights, the left side offers beautiful sunrise views over the Mississippi, though glare can be intense. Keep an eye out for the small lakes of Southern Minnesota within the first 15 minutes of flight.
Distance: 633 km (393 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 3 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: MCI (39.2976, -94.713898)
Route Type: Domestic
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