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MSP → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most diverse scenery, including the best views of St. Paul upon departure, a distant glimpse of the Great Lakes, and a lush approach into the Research Triangle over Umstead State Park.
Search flights from MSP to RDU
St. Paul Skyline
Catch a clear view of Minnesota's capital and the distinctive bends of the Mississippi River immediately after takeoff.
Lake Michigan Southern Shore
On many flight paths, you can spot the hazy blue horizon of Lake Michigan and the industrial shoreline near Gary and Chicago.
Cincinnati Vista
Look for the dense urban core of the Queen City nestled against the sweeping curves of the Ohio River.
Allegheny Plateaus
View the deep, V-shaped valleys and heavily forested ridges of the northern Appalachian range in West Virginia.
Umstead State Park
A massive green canopy provides a scenic backdrop just moments before the wheels touch down at RDU.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. This side also provides a better angle for viewing the confluence of major rivers in the Midwest. During the autumn, the transition from the golden fields of the Midwest to the vibrant forests of North Carolina is most striking from this side.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesMinneapolis Skyline
Depending on the departure runway, enjoy a panoramic view of the 'Mini-Apple' and its modern glass skyscrapers.
Midwestern Patchwork
Vast, geometric agricultural patterns across Illinois and Indiana look like a giant green and gold quilt from 30,000 feet.
Ohio River Crossing
A prominent geographic milestone marking the transition from the mid-country into the Appalachian foothills.
Monongahela National Forest
Rugged, undulating terrain featuring some of the highest peaks in the central Appalachian region.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Witness the iconic hazy blue ridges of western North Carolina as the flight begins its final descent.
Choose the right side for late afternoon or evening flights to experience spectacular sunsets over the Appalachian Mountains. It is also the superior side for observing the intricate patterns of the Midwest's rural heartland. Keep an eye out for small mountain towns tucked into the West Virginia valleys during the middle third of the trip.
Book Hotels in Raleigh-durhamDistance: 1,576 km (979 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 6 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
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