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ORF → MSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Norfolk International Airport (Norfolk) to Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Chesapeake Bay at departure, the lush Shenandoah Valley, and a high probability of seeing the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Chicago metropolitan area.
Chesapeake Bay
Vast views of the bay and the Atlantic coastline during the initial climb out of Norfolk.
Shenandoah National Park
The heavily forested ridges of the Appalachian Trail and northern Virginia wilderness.
Lake Michigan
The sparkling blue waters and sandy dunes of the southern Lake Michigan shoreline near Gary or Chicago.
Chicago Skyline
A distant but distinct view of the Willis Tower and the dense Chicago urban core.
Land of 10,000 Lakes
The dense clusters of glacial lakes and the St. Paul skyline during the final approach.
The right side is highly recommended for late afternoon flights as the sun will be on the opposite side of the plane. You will have the best chance to see the Great Lakes and the St. Paul side of the Twin Cities. For the best landscape photography, try to sit forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion over the mountains.
Norfolk Naval Base
Aerial view of the world's largest naval station and the James River confluence.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The rolling, ancient peaks of the southern Appalachian range stretching toward the south.
Midwest Patchwork
The intricate geometric patterns of Indiana and Illinois farmland during the mid-flight cruise.
Mississippi River
The iconic river crossing near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border during the initial descent.
Minneapolis Skyline
Direct views of the IDS Center and downtown skyscrapers if landing on the 30 runways.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun. This side is also better for spotting the Norfolk Naval Base immediately after takeoff. On the approach to MSP, keep an eye out for the Mall of America, which is often visible if the aircraft enters the traffic pattern from the south.
Distance: 1,679 km (1,043 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 14 min
Departure: ORF (36.89459991455078, -76.20120239257812)
Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Route Type: Domestic
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