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MSP → SNA
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic red rock canyons of Utah and the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon region, finishing with a scenic descent over the San Bernardino Mountains.
Search flights from MSP to SNA
Mississippi River
Catch views of the winding river and the Twin Cities skyline immediately after departure from MSP.
Colorado Rockies
Soar over the high peaks of the Southern Rockies and the massive Front Range south of Denver.
Canyonlands
Breathtaking views of the deeply eroded canyons and red rock mesas of Southern Utah.
Lake Powell
Observe the striking contrast of deep blue water against bright orange sandstone cliffs in Glen Canyon.
Grand Canyon
Visible in the distance to the south, showcasing the immense scale of the Colorado Plateau.
Inland Empire Mountains
A close-up view of the San Bernardino National Forest during the descent into the LA Basin.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you, enhancing the colors of the Utah desert. Keep your camera ready about 2 hours into the flight for the transition from the Rockies to the red rock country. Note that the approach into SNA is often steep and offers a great view of the Santa Ana suburban grid.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesMinnesota Lakes
Aerial views of the countless lakes dotting the landscape north of the Minneapolis metro area.
Rocky Mountain NP
View the snow-capped summits of Longs Peak and the rugged northern Colorado mountain ranges.
Great Salt Lake
The vast, shimmering white salt flats and the distinct colors of the lake's northern arm.
Mojave Desert
Explore the unique geometry of desert basins and rugged mountain ranges across Nevada.
Mt. San Antonio
Pass near 'Mt. Baldy', the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare. If the aircraft performs a standard arrival from the north, you may catch a glimpse of the Disneyland Resort area to the northwest just before touching down. Clear winter days offer the best visibility for the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the far distance.
Book Hotels in Santa AnaDistance: 2,446 km (1,520 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 16 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Route Type: Domestic
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