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MSP destination photo
PIT destination photo

MSPPIT

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the Great Lakes transition and a better chance of seeing the iconic Pittsburgh skyline and the Three Rivers confluence during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Mississippi River

Aerial view of the winding river separating the Twin Cities shortly after takeoff from MSP.

🏙️

St. Paul Skyline

Clear views of the Minnesota state capital and the downtown St. Paul area during initial climb.

⛴️

Lake Michigan

Vast blue expanses and the coastline of Michigan's 'mitten' as the flight crosses the water.

🚤

Lake Erie Shoreline

The northern Ohio coastline and the waters of Lake Erie often come into view during the descent.

🏟️

Pittsburgh Golden Triangle

The meeting of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers forming the Ohio River, with downtown skyscrapers.

For the best photography, choose the left side on morning flights to keep the sun behind you. On the approach to PIT, flights often vector from the north; if they land toward the west, the left side provides the most dramatic view of downtown Pittsburgh and its many bridges. Keep an eye out for the white-capped waves on Lake Michigan during windy autumn days.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🚜

Wisconsin Farmland

The geometric patterns of the Midwest dairy country and rolling hills of the Driftless Area.

🏛️

Madison, WI

The Wisconsin State Capitol building situated on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

🌃

Greater Chicago

Depending on the specific flight path, the southern tip of Lake Michigan and the Chicago outskirts.

🛶

Ohio River Valley

The industrial and natural landscapes following the river as it winds toward the Appalachian foothills.

⛰️

Appalachian Plateau

The rugged, tree-covered ridges of western Pennsylvania during the final approach phase.

The right side is the 'sunset side' for evening flights, offering beautiful orange and purple hues over the Midwest plains. While usually less scenic for the final city approach, it offers a better view of the industrial heritage of the Ohio Valley. During winter, look for the ice formations along the shores of the smaller lakes in Wisconsin and Indiana.

Top Activities in Pittsburgh
Route Information

Distance: 1,167 km (725 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min

Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Arrival: PIT (40.49150085, -80.23290253)

Route Type: Domestic

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