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MSP → RIC
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Richmond International Airport (Richmond)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior perspective of the Lake Michigan shoreline, including potential views of the Chicago skyline, and offers the most dramatic angles of the Appalachian Mountain ridges during the descent into Virginia.
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Mississippi River
Immediately after takeoff from MSP, view the massive winding bends of the Mississippi River and the lush river valley.
Chicago Skyline
On many flight paths, the left side offers a distant but clear view of the Willis Tower and the dense Chicago lakefront.
Lake Michigan
Experience a vast crossing of the deep blue lake, often seeing the sandy dunes along the Michigan shoreline.
Appalachian Ridges
Witness the unique 'ridge and valley' formation of the Appalachian Mountains with parallel forested crests.
Shenandoah Valley
During the approach, enjoy views of the fertile valley sandwiched between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies.
Opt for an early morning flight for stunning sun reflections off Lake Michigan. As the plane heads southeast, the left side stays cooler and avoids direct glare, making it easier to photograph the distinct mountain ridges of West Virginia and Virginia. Look out for the massive New River Gorge if the path tracks slightly south.
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Midwestern Farmland
A beautiful patchwork of green and gold agricultural fields across Wisconsin and northern Indiana.
Ohio River
Cross over the industrial heartland and the winding Ohio River as it snakes toward the Mississippi.
West Virginia Wilderness
Vast stretches of nearly continuous deciduous forest covering the rolling hills of the Monongahela National Forest.
James River
On the final approach to RIC, the James River provides a scenic guide into the Richmond metropolitan area.
Richmond Downtown
Get a clear view of the Virginia State Capitol and the growing Richmond skyline during the landing sequence.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or evening flights to catch a dramatic sunset over the Appalachian plateau. During the winter, the snow-covered valleys of West Virginia are particularly striking from this side. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight for the James River loop.
Book Hotels in RichmondDistance: 1,559 km (969 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 5 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: RIC (37.50519943237305, -77.3197021484375)
Route Type: Domestic
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