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SJC → MSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose) to Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides superior views of the Great Salt Lake, the rugged Wasatch Range, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and the dramatic erosion of the Badlands, often concluding with a view of the Minneapolis skyline.
Sierra Nevada
Cross the northern edge of the Sierra range with views of snowy peaks and alpine lakes shortly after departure.
Great Salt Lake
Witness the vast, shimmering salt flats and the distinct color variations of the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
Wasatch Range
Soar over the high-altitude peaks and deep canyons located just north of Salt Lake City.
Black Hills
Spot the dark, pine-covered silhouettes of the Black Hills rising from the South Dakota plains.
Badlands National Park
Observe the intricate, striated rock formations and sharp buttes of the South Dakota Badlands.
Minneapolis Skyline
On the standard approach to MSP, the downtown skyscrapers are frequently visible to the north.
For the best visibility, choose a morning flight to have the sun at your back while looking north. The Great Salt Lake appears about 90-100 minutes into the flight; look for the distinct 'Lucin Cutoff' railroad causeway. In winter, the contrast of snow against the Badlands' canyons is spectacular.
Silicon Valley
Look down upon the dense tech corridors and South Bay salt ponds immediately after takeoff.
Yosemite National Park
To the south, the massive granite domes and high wilderness of the central Sierras are often visible.
Colorado Plateau
View the vast, arid landscapes and carved river systems of northern Utah and the Colorado border.
Nebraska Sandhills
Fly over the unique, grass-stabilized sand dunes of the Great Plains.
Mall of America
During the descent into MSP, the massive shopping complex in Bloomington is often visible to the south.
If flying in the late afternoon or evening, the right side captures the warm glow of the setting sun over the plains. Keep an eye out for Yosemite's Half Dome in the distance during the first 30 minutes. Use a window seat behind the wing to ensure your view of the ground isn't obstructed during the scenic cruise over the Rockies.
Distance: 2,530 km (1,572 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 22 min
Departure: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Route Type: Domestic
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