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SFB → DSM
Which side of the plane to sit from Orlando Sanford International Airport (Sanford) to Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the dramatic confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and avoids direct glare during afternoon flights heading northwest.
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Ocala National Forest
Shortly after departure, view the vast green expanse of Florida's northernmost forest and its numerous natural springs.
Wheeler Lake
Cross the wide Tennessee River in northern Alabama, featuring intricate shorelines and hydroelectric dams.
The Confluence
Witness the spectacular meeting of the blue Ohio River and the muddy Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois.
St. Louis Outskirts
Look for the distant Gateway Arch and the urban sprawl of Missouri's largest metro area as you transition into the Midwest.
Upper Mississippi Valley
Observe the high bluffs and winding river channels that define the border between Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa.
Sit on the left for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh western sun. Watch closely about two-thirds through the flight for the Cairo confluence, which is a rare geographic landmark visible from 30,000 feet. On the descent into DSM, this side often provides a clearer view of the Des Moines downtown skyline if landing from the south.
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Lake Jesup & St. Johns River
Immediately after takeoff from SFB, see the serpentine St. Johns River and the alligator-filled waters of Lake Jesup.
Cumberland Plateau
View the rugged, elevated terrain of eastern Tennessee, marking the transition from the coastal plains to the interior highlands.
Land Between the Lakes
Spot the massive twin reservoirs of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake nestled between the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers.
Midwestern Patchwork
Enjoy the iconic American 'quilt' of perfectly rectangular corn and soybean fields across central Illinois and Iowa.
Iowa Wind Farms
As you descend into Des Moines, look for the massive white wind turbines spinning across the rolling prairie landscape.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to catch the sunrise over the Appalachian foothills. Keep your eyes peeled for the distinct 'Land Between the Lakes' area in Kentucky, which is easily identifiable by its two parallel bodies of water. In winter, this side offers the best views of snow-covered agricultural patterns in the Midwest.
Book Hotels in Des MoinesDistance: 1,809 km (1,124 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 25 min
Departure: SFB (28.7775993347168, -81.23750305175781)
Arrival: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Route Type: Domestic
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