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SLC → MSN
Which side of the plane to sit from Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City) to Dane County Regional Truax Field (Madison)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the Great Salt Lake and the High Uintas, while also benefiting from better lighting conditions away from the direct sun.
Great Salt Lake
Striking views of the lake's color variations and Antelope Island shortly after takeoff.
High Uintas Wilderness
Rugged, high-altitude peaks and alpine lakes in Northeastern Utah.
Flaming Gorge
Deep red canyons and the winding Green River reservoir along the Utah-Wyoming border.
Wind River Range
Jagged granite summits of the Continental Divide visible to the north in Wyoming.
Nebraska Sandhills
The unique, rolling grass-covered sand dunes of the Great Plains.
Mississippi River
The expansive river crossing marking the final leg into the Midwest.
Choose the left side for morning departures to avoid direct sunlight. The transition from the stark Rockies to the lush Midwest is most dramatic on this side. Watch for the Mississippi River crossing approximately 40 minutes before landing.
Wasatch Front
Immediate views of the steep mountains flanking Salt Lake City during the climb.
Red Desert
The vast and colorful high-elevation desert basins of Southern Wyoming.
Platte River
The braided river system that served as a guide for historic pioneer trails.
Des Moines
Aerial perspective of Iowa's capital city and its surrounding agricultural patterns.
Driftless Area
The scenic, deeply carved river valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin.
The right side is excellent for seeing the Salt Lake valley and the Wasatch Range immediately after takeoff, but sun glare can be intense on afternoon flights. Keep an eye out for the distinct circular irrigation patterns over Nebraska and Iowa.
Distance: 1,884 km (1,171 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 31 min
Departure: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Arrival: MSN (43.13990020751953, -89.3375015258789)
Route Type: Domestic
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