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PIE → DSM
Which side of the plane to sit from St Petersburg Clearwater International Airport (St. Petersburg) to Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the Gulf of Mexico coastline upon takeoff and a prime view of the St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch and the massive Mississippi-Missouri river confluence.
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Clearwater Coastline
Breathtaking views of the white sands and turquoise waters of Clearwater Beach and Honeymoon Island during the initial climb.
St. Louis Skyline
A clear view of the Gateway Arch and the downtown urban center as you traverse the Missouri-Illinois border.
Mississippi-Missouri Confluence
The dramatic visual of North America's two longest rivers merging into a single massive waterway north of St. Louis.
Midwestern Grid
The iconic geometric patterns of the American 'Corn Belt' featuring perfectly square fields and rural farmsteads.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you, illuminating the coastal features and the St. Louis skyline. This side is specifically better for spotting the Arch if the flight path follows the standard route slightly east of the city.
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Sunshine Skyway Bridge
An impressive aerial perspective of the massive bridge spanning the mouth of Tampa Bay shortly after departure.
Cumberland Plateau
The rugged, forested ridges and deep valleys of the Appalachian foothills spanning through Tennessee and Kentucky.
Ohio River
A view of the wide, winding Ohio River, often dotted with long cargo barges near the Indiana-Kentucky border.
Iowa State Capitol
As you descend into Des Moines, look for the shimmering 23-karat gold leaf dome of the state's capitol building.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights, as it will be shaded from the setting sun. It offers the best views of the Tampa Bay urban sprawl and the rolling topography of the Tennessee and Kentucky wilderness areas.
Book Hotels in Des MoinesDistance: 1,813 km (1,127 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 25 min
Departure: PIE (27.91020012, -82.68740082)
Arrival: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Route Type: Domestic
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