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SFO → MSP
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior perspective of the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains and the dramatic erosions of the South Dakota Badlands while avoiding direct southern sun glare.
Search flights from SFO to MSP
San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands immediately after departure.
Sierra Nevada Range
Stunning granite peaks and the deep blue of the northern Tahoe basin.
Great Salt Lake
The northern reaches of the lake showing distinct mineral color variations and salt flats.
Black Hills
The dense pine-covered mountains rising sharply from the surrounding South Dakota plains.
Badlands National Park
Incredible sedimentary rock formations and striped buttes visible in the final hour of flight.
Sit on the left for the best lighting conditions during the day as you head east. The transition from the high desert of Nevada to the green plains of the Midwest is most dramatic on this side. If flying in winter, the snow-covered peaks of the Sierra and Rockies are particularly striking in the morning sun.
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Yosemite National Park
Clear views of Half Dome and the high Sierra peaks if the flight path tracks slightly south.
Great Basin Desert
The repetitive and mesmerizing 'Basin and Range' topography of Nevada.
Front Range Rockies
High-altitude views of the Continental Divide and the Colorado mountain peaks.
Midwestern Grids
The perfectly symmetrical agricultural patterns and crop circles of Nebraska and Iowa.
Mississippi River
The wide, winding river that marks the final approach into the Minneapolis area.
While the right side offers great views of Yosemite, be prepared for significant sun glare on southern-facing windows. Use your window shade strategically to cool the cabin. This side is excellent for seeing the golden hour light reflect off the winding Mississippi River during late afternoon arrivals.
Book Hotels in MinneapolisDistance: 2,551 km (1,585 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 24 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Route Type: Domestic
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