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MSP → MEM
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Memphis International Airport (Memphis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of St. Paul during departure, potential distant views of the St. Louis skyline, and the most iconic views of the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis on the final approach.
St. Paul Skyline
Upon departure from MSP, passengers on the left have an excellent vantage point of the Minnesota state capital and the winding Mississippi River valley.
Iowa Heartland
Expansive views of the geometric patterns of the American Corn Belt, with the Cedar River often visible near Cedar Rapids.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
Depending on the specific flight corridor, the iconic Arch and St. Louis skyline can often be spotted to the east as you cross into Missouri.
The Bootheel Delta
As you descend, watch the landscape transform into the flat, fertile alluvial plains of the Missouri Bootheel region.
Downtown Memphis
On the standard approach into MEM from the north, the left side provides views of the Hernando de Soto Bridge and the city's riverfront.
Sit on the left for a morning flight to avoid the direct western sun. This side is also preferred for seeing the city lights of Memphis during evening arrivals. Keep an eye out for the distinct 'M' shape of the Hernando de Soto Bridge as you enter Tennessee airspace.
Minneapolis Downtown
Enjoy a clear view of the Minneapolis skyline and U.S. Bank Stadium immediately following takeoff from MSP's southern runways.
Des Moines & Central Iowa
Aerial views of Iowa's capital city and the Saylorville Lake reservoir located just to the north.
Ozark Plateau
The terrain becomes more rugged as the flight passes over the eastern edge of the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri.
Arkansas River Valley
Broad views of the meandering Arkansas River and the vast wetlands of eastern Arkansas prior to crossing the Mississippi.
The right side is ideal for sunset views on late afternoon flights heading south. It offers a great perspective of the vast agricultural grids of the Midwest. During the winter, this side often provides better views of the snow-covered rolling hills of the Ozarks.
Distance: 1,128 km (701 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 30 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: MEM (35.04240036010742, -89.97669982910156)
Route Type: Domestic
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