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MSP → OAK
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers a spectacular finish with views of Lake Tahoe and a grand-scale aerial tour of the San Francisco skyline during the OAK approach.
Search flights from MSP to OAK
South Dakota Badlands
Unique geological features and eroded pinnacles visible shortly after crossing the Missouri River.
Great Salt Lake
The stark white shoreline and brilliant turquoise waters of Utah's inland sea.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue expanse of Tahoe nestled in the mountains just before the descent begins.
SF Skyline
A world-class view of downtown San Francisco and the Bay Bridge on final approach.
Port of Oakland
The iconic 'Star Wars' walker-style cranes of the busy shipping terminals.
The right side is ideal for westbound travel to avoid direct sun. The highlight is the approach into Oakland; if the plane lands toward the northwest (Runway 30), the right side gets a perfect view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Sit behind the wing for the best photos of Lake Tahoe.
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Red Rock Country
Deep orange and red sandstone formations across the Utah desert landscape.
High Sierras
The rugged peaks of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains near Yosemite.
Central Valley
The vast, geometric patchwork of California's primary agricultural region.
South Bay Salt Ponds
Vibrantly colored salt evaporation ponds near the southern end of the Bay.
Choose the left side for morning flights to see the desert colors illuminated, but be prepared for glare from the southern sun throughout the journey. Watch for the stark transition from the Great Basin to the Sierra Nevada crest.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,534 km (1,575 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 23 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Route Type: Domestic
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