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MSP → MSY
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the winding Mississippi River throughout the journey and provides a more dramatic perspective of Lake Pontchartrain and the Causeway bridge during the descent into New Orleans.
St. Paul Skyline
Clear views of the Minnesota state capitol and downtown St. Paul shortly after departure from MSP.
Mississippi River
The flight path frequently parallels the Great River, showing its massive scale and winding oxbows.
Iowa Heartland
A patchwork quilt of agricultural fields and small farming communities across the Midwestern plains.
Ozark Plateau
The rugged, forested hills of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas provide a change in topography.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
The world's longest continuous bridge over water is often visible during the final approach into MSY.
New Orleans CBD
Aerial views of the Superdome and the skyscrapers of the Central Business District just before touchdown.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. This side is prime for capturing the scale of Lake Pontchartrain. During autumn, the change in foliage color over the Ozarks is particularly striking from this vantage point.
Mall of America
Located immediately south of the airport, the massive retail complex is visible seconds after takeoff.
Minneapolis Skyline
Sweeping views of downtown Minneapolis and the US Bank Stadium during the initial climb.
Arkansas River Valley
Views of the wide river valley and the transition from central plains to southern wetlands.
Atchafalaya Basin
The nation's largest river swamp, featuring deep greens and intricate water networks.
Louisiana Bayou
Intricate patterns of marshlands, canals, and cypress groves unique to the Gulf Coast region.
Mississippi River Bends
Dramatic horseshoe bends in the river as it winds toward the Gulf of Mexico south of the city.
Choose the right side for sunset flights to witness the colors reflecting off the Louisiana wetlands. For the best view of the Minneapolis skyline, ensure your flight departs to the south; if departing north, you may miss it. This side is excellent for seeing the sheer density of the Southern swamplands.
Distance: 1,676 km (1,041 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 14 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Route Type: Domestic
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