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MSP destination photo
MCI destination photo

MSPMCI

Our Recommendation
7.2

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏞️

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.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
🏙️

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.

Top Activities in Kansas City
Route Information

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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