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SYR → MSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Syracuse Hancock International Airport (Syracuse) to Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers superior views of the Great Lakes system, including the shores of Lake Ontario and the expansive crossing of Lake Michigan, often culminating in a spectacular view of the Twin Cities skyline upon descent into MSP.
Lake Ontario Shoreline
Enjoy immediate views of the Great Lake Ontario as you depart Syracuse and head west.
Southern Ontario
Look north across the Canadian border to see the agricultural patterns and towns of the Ontario peninsula.
Central Wisconsin Forests
View the dense woodlands and agricultural grids of central Wisconsin as you approach the Midwest.
Minneapolis-St. Paul Skyline
Depending on the landing pattern, the right side often provides a direct view of the downtown Minneapolis skyscrapers.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight; if landing to the west, this side provides the most iconic view of the 'Mini-Apple' skyline and the surrounding chain of lakes.
Finger Lakes Region
Shortly after takeoff, view the northern tips of these glacial lakes carving through the New York landscape.
Detroit and Lake Erie
Catch glimpses of the Detroit skyline and the western basin of Lake Erie as you traverse southern Michigan.
Milwaukee Coastline
As the plane crosses Lake Michigan, the Wisconsin shoreline and the city of Milwaukee often appear to the south.
Upper Mississippi River
During the descent, watch the winding path of the Mississippi River marking the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Choose the left side for better views of the sunset when flying west in the evening. This side is also preferable if the flight path dips slightly south, offering potential distant views of the Chicago skyline across Lake Michigan.
Distance: 1,381 km (858 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 50 min
Departure: SYR (43.11119842529297, -76.1063003540039)
Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Route Type: Domestic
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